There's A Certain Slant Of Light
Published on Nov 20, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
THERE'S A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT
JORDAN BREWER
Stanza 1:
There's a certain Slant of light, Winter Afternoons-
That oppresses, like the Heft Of Cathedral Tunes-
Photo by Stuck in Customs
Stanza 1:
The poem is introduced with a comparison of the light being oppressive like weighty church music. This sets the stage for the poems negative view of the light and what it represents. It also introduces the setting of Winter Afternoons.
Photo by Stuck in Customs
Stanza 2:
Heavenly Hurt, it gives us-
We can find no scar,
But internal difference,
Where the Meanings, are-
Stanza 2:
This stanza states that the light gives us a Heavenly Hurt that leaves no physical scar. However, this hurt gives us an internal turmoil which, in turn, gives us Meanings. This gain of Meanings is the only positive result of the light stated in the poem.
Stanza 3:
None may teach it-Any-
'Tis the Seal Despair-
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the Air-
Stanza 3:
This stanza reinforces the internal difference by saying that "none may teach it" (no one can describe it) and calling it a Seal Despair. Also, it compares the light and the pain it brings with the line "An imperial affliction Sent us of the air-". This represents how they are both intangible and seem to just appear.
Stanza 4:
When it comes, the Landscape listens-
Shadows-hold their breath-
When it goes, 'tis like the Distance
On the look of Death-
Photo by kevin dooley
Stanza 4:
The final stanza describes the lights effect on the world. It causes nature to seem to stop and hold its breath until it passes. When it does pass, it leaves "On the look of Death."
Photo by kevin dooley
Imagery:
Examples: Winter Afternoons, Cathedral Tunes, and Landscape listens.
These all give various images to the reader, such as a cold winter day with bright sunlight, the sound of a pipe organ in a cathedral, and a view of nature at a standstill.
Photo by blmiers2
Mood:
Words that contribute: Oppresses, scar, affliction, and Death.
The mood the reader should come off of this poem with is negative, such as sadness or a feeling of hopelessness.
Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography
Tone:
Words that contribute: Oppresses, Heavenly Hurt, and affliction.
The speaker in this poem has a negative tone when they describe the light, expressing its negative qualities.
Photo by Frank Wuestefeld
