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3. What images does the poet use? How do the images relate to one another? Do these images form a unified pattern (a motif) throughout the poem?

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3. What images does the poet use? How do the images relate to one another? Do these images form a unified pattern (a motif) throughout the poem?

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Dickinson uses imagery in her poem in order for the reader to visualize and understand her symbol, lightning. The two instances of imagery in the poem are, “Too bright for our infirm delight,” (Dickinson 3) and “The truth must dazzle gradually, or every man be blind” (Dickinson 7-8). Both examples discuss something about light and how it affects us. Referring to the symbol of lightning, if the lightning is too bright it may cause us to lose our sight. This directing relates to  how if the truth is too harsh, it may cause horror and grief that can cloud our common sense. If we “dazzle gradually”, it is much easier for one to process the truth and allow them for a more gradual adjustment to the light and truth.

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5. Are there any symbols? What do they mean? 

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5. Are there any symbols? What do they mean? 

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The most prominent symbol in this poem is lightning. Dickinson states, “As Lightning to the Children eased, With explanation kind” (Dickinson 5-6). In these lines, the lightning is representing the hard truth. Just like the truth, lightning can be destructive, loud, and disturbing. When Dickinson tells her reader to ease the lightning, she is telling them to sugarcoat the truth in order to cushion any destruction that may come. Without the ease, it may cause devastation in relationships, alliances, and one’s well-being.

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6. What is the theme (the central idea) of this poem? Can you state it in a single sentence? Elaborate on your idea.

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6. What is the theme (the central idea) of this poem? Can you state it in a single sentence? Elaborate on your idea.

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The theme of this poem is to tell the truth indirectly, as people cannot always understand the whole truth. This can be seen in the first stanza, when Dickinson states, “Too bright for our infirm Delight” (Dickinson 3). In the quote, the truth is being related to the idea that some people are not ready to know it. When she says this, Dickinson is stating that the truth is overwhelming for people to comprehend.

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1. What is the poem’s tone? Which words reveal this tone? Is the poem ironic?

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1. What is the poem’s tone? Which words reveal this tone? Is the poem ironic?

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The poem’s tone appears to be slightly passive-aggressive and treats the truth as a careful, yet conniving subject. Some words that reveal this tone include, “The Truth’s superb surprise,” and, “The Truth must dazzle gradually / Or every man be blind” (Dickinson 4-8). She states that truth has a surprise, but contradicts this with it having to slowly unfold or people will be blinded by their incorrect understanding of it. This shows how she believes that the truth has great power, which can be devastating if it is to be revealed.