An explanation of "Tell the whole truth but tell it sideways-" by Emily Dickinson highlights the dominant theme of how one should tell the truth illuminates the development of the extended metaphor of comparing truth to light Early in the poem, the speaker explains the best way to tell the truth to Dickinson, through the use of a specific rhyming technique, literary elements and. different forms of figurative language, establishes the importance of not telling the truth all at once Alliteration is a key aspect of how the reader. lives the poem; she is particularly interested in the alliteration of the letter T. This alliteration begins in the first line “Tell the whole truth but tell it in a slanted way” (1.1). used three times in the first line, but Dickinson uses the “T” sound to continually return to the “T”. theme of truth. Dickinson, through the use of two stanzas of four lines each, uses a fairly distinct rhyme scheme to organize her poem. The second and fourth lines of each stanza are clearly examples of end rhyme, using words such as "lies" (1.2) and "surprise" (1.4). However, not every line is an example of end rhyme. The first and third lines rhyme words such as “tilt” (1.1) and “delight” (1.3); which can be described as close rhymes because they give a little feeling of rhyme. This rhyming pattern continues for the second stanza as well. The rhyme sequence is not implemented arbitrarily, but it also adds to the theme of truth. The close rhymes that Dickinson emphasizes are not meant to tell the entire truth, but rather convey a little truth. This is directly compared to the almost rhyming feel...... middle of paper ......e use of figurative language and many literary techniques, Dickinson clearly states her theme, adding to the intensity of the poem. Works Cited Gerald Clarke, ed. A too-brief treat: the letters of Truman Capote. New York: Random House, 2004. Print. Capote, Truman. Letter to Alvin and Marie Dewey. May 17, 1960. Clarke 281-282. Capote, Truman. Letter to Newton Arvin. July 25-31, 1960. Clarke 288. Capote, Truman. Letter to Alvin and Marie Dewey. October 10, 1960. Clarke 299-300. Capote, Truman. Letter to Donald Windham. October 17, 1960. Clarke 300-301. Capote, Truman. Letter to Bennett Cerf. July 11, 1961. Clarke 322. Capote, Truman. Letter to Alvin and Marie Dewey. December 9, 1961. Clarke 335.Capote Truman. Letter to Perry Smith. December 15, 1963. Clarke 390-391. Capote, Truman. “The Story Behind a Nonfiction Novel.” The New York Times January 16, 1966. Print.