Tell All the Truth but Tell It Slant

  • Tell All the Truth but Tell It Slant

From Ruth Anna:
"Slant" was a tough word to deal with in translation. What exactly does Dickinson mean by it?

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Literature, Public
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  1. Evelyn Chivers
    This is one of my favorite poems. I enjoyed your interpretation. In my opinion, Dickinson's use of the word "slant" meant just what you interpreted...that with most people straightforwardness ...directness...bluntness is almost considered rude. It's like Dickinson is saying that we should be truthful with people but, instead of leading with what could be a harsh reality check, we should "slant" the truth so that it isn't a direct "hit" --- I see this "tell it slant" close in meaning to the English idiom of telling a "white" lie.
    November 1, 2015

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