Learn It Part 2

Before you try to close read a poem on your own, let's more closely analyze Emily Dickinson's "Tell all the truth but tell it slant."

Tell all the Truth but tell it slant---
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind---

- Emily Dickinson


As you move through this module, here are some tips to remember for doing a close reading.

Ways to Interact With the Text

  • Chunk the text.
  • Underline and circle purposefully.
  • Left margin—what is the author saying?
  • Use the right margin – digging deeper.
  • Ask yourself questions.