Emily Dickinson explains the concept of truth in “Tell it all but tell it slant”. It is universal and speaks of truth being revealed gradually. However, the language is vague and it deconstructs in a number of ways. A lack of punctuation, blurred structure and the focus on logocentric truth create confusion. The language has ambiguity and the words contradict each other. There is no “absolute reality” because of the many meanings given to certain lines. Deconstructive elements can be identified using logcentrism and binary oppositions. Deconstruction says that the language of this poem is a contradiction from the very first line. This poem reveals the truth as a transcendental meaning. Truth is presented as a concept that requires a strategic and careful approach. Because the term is so abstract, it’s possible to read it in different ways. Truth can refer to a truth that is ultimate or just honesty. If there are ultimate truths, they can be used as a central point for thought and reason. Derrida believes that, despite its flaws, this is an idea which cannot be avoided (Bressler 121). The capitalization of truth in this poem reinforces the notion that it is universal. The rest of the poem, however, would center around the idea that there’s a universal truth if this poem presupposed that. Truth could also be considered a symbolocentric term. However, since the text has a vague meaning, reason is more suitable. This excerpt does not mention reason directly, but the argument it presents is based on this concept. The writer argues that the truth shouldn’t be revealed in full at any time. The writer argues that truth should not be revealed in its entirety at any given time. The text may assume that people are incapable of handling complete honesty, or that those who tell the truth are too cowardly. The author’s intent is not known, and this creates issues for readers trying to understand the reasoning. The poem does not make it clear whether the “superb surprises” of the truth and the delight are related (Dickinson). Success without punctuation can be “too bright”, or “Too Bright for Our Infirm Delight” (Dickinson 4). This question is about the meaning of “Truth’s splendid surprise” (Dickinson, 4). This surprise can be expressed as “for our infirm Delight/The Truth’s splendid surprise” if success is not bright enough to delight or it could be a personal and implied delight (Dickinson 3-4). It’s unclear whether the text holds either of these meanings. Thus, truth as a center of thought is decentered. Derrida also argues that truth is a flawed “center” because it has been subverted. There are binary oppositions, such as truth/falsehood. The poem explains that truth can be understood as the absence or falsehood. The essence of truth implies the absence or falsity. Slanting implies, on the other hand, that part of truth needs to be hidden. It is not feasible to be truthful and also tell it in a way that has a slant. It is also unclear whether “truth” means absolute truth or just honesty. If honesty is truth, mendacity will be its opposite. The word “lies” appears in the second line of the poem (Dickinson). It is difficult to make out the single word in the second line. The text might mean that the “Success Circuit [exists]/too luminous” (Dickinson 2, p. Nevertheless, “lies” can refer to both the act and the result of lying. The wording of the paragraph and its lack punctuation make it seem as if telling lies is a successful strategy. Both the oppositions of truth/falsehood, as well honesty/mendacity are working against each other in order to deconstruct what truth is. Even the word’slant’ has multiple connotations. A slant may be in either direction: upwards, perhaps toward the truth, or downwards, towards lies or nothingness. By looking at the shape, a slant is either positive or negative. The poem makes it more likely to assume that the writer is speaking of the positive aspects of a slope, as he believes that minor derivations are beneficial. Consider the opposite connotation. If it is going in the wrong direction, then you could end up with nothing or lying. Last line also undermines the meaning. The text states, “Or be every man blind”(Dickinson), but doesn’t specify whether it means literal blindness to something or a figurative way of seeing. The blindness may be against the truth. This presupposes that the pursuit of truth is worth it. The text may suggest that the truth can blind people. The truth, on the other hand, is a synonym for goodness since it is devoid of dishonesty. At its core, goodness is nothing to fear. This confusion is caused by the blurring together of multiple connotations. Deconstruction, of course, has flaws. Logocentrism relies on a central idea that is difficult, if you can call it that, to separate. There is no consistency in beliefs and ideas without a central point. Each person’s reference point is unique, but there is consistency within those centers. Chaos is the only alternative. Deconstruction strikes at the core of a Christian’s worldview, which is based on Christ, the transcendental concepts of faith, truth and love. Deconstruction is defined as “denying any center of Truth, such a God, humanity, or self”, and we cannot “be certain about our beliefs, values, and assumptions”. Due to this, the meaning of a text can have multiple meanings. The reader may not be able to determine which meaning is “true”. Faith is a belief in something that you know to be true, even if there’s no visible evidence. Deconstruction can simply be described as a method of recognizing how words can have different meanings for different people. Authors also have access to a huge dictionary, and they can create new words if desired. Only they can express their thoughts in words. The reader interprets them. The author’s intentions do not have to be unknowable. Bressler Charles E. literary criticism: an introduction to theory and practice. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2007. 120-337. Dickinson, Emily. “Poetry from Emily Dickinson, Tell the Truth but Tell it Slant.” 11 Nov. 2007
.