There's a certain Slant of light, Emily Dickinson

Mason August 22, 2024

"There's a certain Slant of light," a poem by Emily Dickinson, explores the profound and often unsettling effect of a particular type of winter light. Dickinson personifies this light as an oppressive force that brings a "Heavenly Hurt," a kind of spiritual or emotional affliction that leaves no visible scars but deeply affects the soul. This poem delves into themes of despair, internal conflict, and the transient nature of life, expressed through Dickinson's signature enigmatic style.

Poem: "There's a certain Slant of light"

There's a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons –
That oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes –

Heavenly Hurt, it gives us –
We can find no scar,
But internal difference –
Where the Meanings, are –

None may teach it – Any –
'Tis the seal Despair –
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the Air –

When it comes, the Landscape listens –
Shadows – hold their breath –
When it goes, 'tis like the Distance
On the look of Death –

Summary of "There's a certain Slant of light"

In this poem, Dickinson captures the heavy, oppressive quality of a particular slant of winter light. This light is described as having the power to evoke a deep, spiritual pain, akin to the solemnity of cathedral music. Though the pain it brings leaves no physical marks, it causes an "internal difference" that is profound and lasting. The poem suggests that this experience of despair is universal yet deeply personal, affecting the landscape and the individual in subtle, almost imperceptible ways. The light's departure leaves a sense of finality, akin to the feeling of death's inevitability.

Critical Analysis of "There's a certain Slant of light"

Symbolism: The "Slant of light" symbolizes an oppressive force, possibly representing the weight of mortality or the inevitability of death. The light's effect is both physical and metaphysical, impacting the landscape and the human spirit alike.
Tone: The tone of the poem is solemn and introspective, with a focus on the quiet, often overlooked moments that carry deep emotional significance. The light's presence evokes a sense of despair and resignation, as it seems to represent an unavoidable aspect of existence.
Personification: Dickinson personifies the light as something that can "oppress" and "give" hurt, emphasizing its active role in affecting the mood and spirit of those who experience it.
Imagery: The poem is rich with imagery, particularly in its depiction of the light as a physical presence that interacts with the landscape and the internal world of the individual. The light is described as having a weight ("Heft") and as being capable of causing "internal difference," highlighting the depth of its impact.

Themes in "There's a certain Slant of light"

Despair and Suffering: The poem explores the theme of despair, as the light brings a "Heavenly Hurt" that is both profound and inescapable. This suffering is depicted as a universal experience, one that is deeply personal yet shared by all.
Mortality: The light's association with "Death" and "Despair" suggests a meditation on mortality. The poem reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death, conveyed through the fleeting yet powerful presence of the winter light.
Nature's Influence on Emotion: Dickinson often uses elements of nature to reflect emotional states, and in this poem, the winter light serves as a catalyst for introspection and emotional turmoil. The light's oppressive quality mirrors the internal struggles of the human spirit.

Literary Devices in "There's a certain Slant of light"

Personification: The light is personified as an active, almost malevolent force that brings "Heavenly Hurt" and leaves a lasting impact on the individual.
Symbolism: The "Slant of light" symbolizes the weight of existential realities, such as despair and mortality, that are difficult to escape or fully understand.
Imagery: Vivid imagery is used to describe the light's effect on both the landscape and the human spirit, emphasizing its oppressive and overwhelming nature.

Stylistic Analysis of "There's a certain Slant of light"

Form: The poem’s form is simple and compact, with short stanzas that reflect the intensity of the emotions being described. The structure contributes to the overall feeling of inevitability and finality.
Language: Dickinson’s language is precise and evocative, with words like "oppresses," "Heavenly Hurt," and "Despair" capturing the deep emotional impact of the light.
Structure: The poem is structured to build a sense of tension and release, mirroring the arrival and departure of the light. This structure enhances the poem’s exploration of fleeting moments that carry deep emotional weight.