There’S A Certain Slant Of Light - As winter approaches and the days become shorter, there is a certain slant of light that can bring about a sense of melancholy. This feeling is captured in the poem by American poet Emily Dickinson, and it has been the subject of many artistic interpretations over the years. We've curated a collection of images and synopses that explore this theme and offer tips for finding beauty in the darkness.
Emily Dickinson: A Certain Slant of Light (1978)
Synopsis
In this made-for-television movie, Cynthia Nixon plays Emily Dickinson, one of America's most celebrated poets. The film focuses on the relationship between Emily and her sister-in-law, Susan Gilbert, as well as on the poet's inner life and struggles with depression. It also features readings of several of Dickinson's most famous poems, including "There's a certain Slant of light."
"There's a certain Slant of light" by Emily Dickinson
Analysis
This poem explores the feeling of despair that can come with the onset of winter. The opening line creates a sense of mystery and intrigue: "There's a certain Slant of light, Winter Afternoons." The slant of light is not just any light; it is a "certain" slant, one that brings with it a sense of heaviness and oppression. The poem goes on to describe how this slant of light makes everything feel as if it is leaning "against the -" and creates a "Heavenly Hurt." The final stanza explores the effect of this feeling on the speaker, who feels as if they are struggling to understand the nature of God and eternity.
A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb
Synopsis
This young adult novel explores the themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. The story centers around a ghost named Helen, who has been trapped for over a century in the attic of an old house. She has the ability to inhabit the bodies of the living, and she uses this power to connect with a teenage girl named Jenny who has recently lost her parents in a car accident. As the two become closer, they must confront the secrets that have kept Helen trapped for so long.
How to Find Beauty in Winter
Tips and Ideas
- Get outside: Even on the coldest and darkest days, there is still beauty to be found in nature. Bundle up and take a walk in the woods, or head to a local park to watch the snowfall.
- Indulge in comfort food: The winter months are the perfect time to cozy up with a warm and comforting meal. Think hearty soups, stews, and casseroles.
- Celebrate the holidays: Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, the winter months are full of celebrations that can bring joy and light into your life.
- Embrace hygge: This Danish concept of coziness and comfort is perfect for winter. Think soft blankets, warm candles, and hot cocoa.
- Try a new hobby: Winter is a great time to try something new, whether it's knitting, painting, or reading a new genre of book.
- Connect with loved ones: The holidays are a time to connect with family and friends, but don't forget to reach out to loved ones throughout the winter months. A virtual chat or phone call can go a long way in combatting the winter blues.
While the winter months can be tough, there is still plenty of beauty and joy to be found. From Dickinson's haunting poetry to Whitcomb's ghostly tale, the certain slant of light can be a powerful force in art and literature. By embracing the season and finding ways to connect with others, we can make the most of these colder and darker days.
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