Tell all the truth but tell it slant- The idea that truth is too bright for us is said twice in this poem, “Too bright for our infirm delight” and “or every man be blind.” I believe the repetition is to make the poem’s purpose clear, to make the reader more aware that the poem isn’t about lying. It helps to make things more understandable. I think the poem is about changing truth to make things easier for the one hearing it. The repeated idea of the truth being bright and blinding supports this.

One need not be a chamber to be haunted- this poem contains opposition. It is the comparison of the dangers in the outside world with the dangers within our own minds. The contrast puts more stress on the dangers of dwelling within ourselves. By this poem I believe Dickinson was saying our own minds are far more hazardous than any ghost or assassin we could see. The idea that the brain is large enough to hold more than the hallways in the physical harkens to another poem in our reading. There was also repetition between the second and third stanza, where Dickinson listed the physical fears that were safer than the psychological.

I reason Earth is short- This poem contains repetition. Each stanza starts with “I reason” and ends with “But what of that?” The repetition puts stress on these two phrases, the first helps convince us the persona has come to a logical response, the second was more unclear to me. I wonder, was she trying to say “So what?” or something like “Tell me more of this.” In any case, more stress is being put on the persona’s knowledge (or theory, really). The repetition and stress helped me form a few different ideas about the poem’s meaning.

Much madness is divinest sense- What I noticed the most about this poem was the comparison between those who “ascent” and those who “demur.” Dickinson writes the two contrasting choices to show readers what happens when one remains in their not-so-proper mental state. Those who rise above madness are suggested to be sane, but those who raise objections to being sane have a difficult path and are kept on a short leash. The poem’s first line suggests madness is the best sense, so the persona seems to be battling with the decision to be sane and unchained or mad and have the greatest sense.

The brain is wider than the sky- This poem repeats “The brain is” at the start of each stanza. Because of this, any reader can assume this poem defines the brain, in this case its capacity. The repetition keeps the poem focused. I see it as a way to make sure the reader keeps in mind the exact subject. I also think it helps the reader believe what they read, since she reaffirms herself frequently.

The consciousness that is aware- this poem’s lack of repetition makes it harder to focus on and harder to find the meaning for. My only guess is that the persona is saying the greatest understanding is the understanding of death and maybe that it can only truly be understood in context. Most aspects of this poem are foggy, it’s difficult to form any cohesive thoughts after reading it.

-Brittney