Dickinson’s poem “There is a certain slant of light” explores the negatively divine roots of despair in humans. Despair is widely understood as a ‘constructed’ emotion– humans had to learn about their own existence in society in order to feel despair. Dickinson potentially argues that the real reason behind human suffering is a far too extensive knowledge of one’s own insignificance in relation to divine things.

I interpreted the beam of light in the cold winter day was as a mockery or trickery of whatever entity created it. The cold sun is a sort of unattainable piece of hope that merely shows that humans are subjected to these forces that are beyond their control, as in God, most likely. The comparison between seeing the slant of light and hearing the “Heft of Cathedral Tunes” (3-4) shows that the way in which people become overwhelmed by the divinity and powerful orchestra in church relates to seeing this evidence of a sun despite the cold. Both are reminders of insignificance. Potentially, this poem could be interpreted as a hesitant criticism or a jealous statement towards Heaven and the everlasting sun that they are granted, while the humans on Earth suffer through winter each year. The heavenly light of the sun only shows what the humans are missing out on, rather than providing any actual warmth. 

Overall, “There is a certain slant of light”, views religion and divinity in a negative way, while still acknowledging its existence. Dickinson seems to believe there is something out there controlling this light, but she doesn’t seem entirely happy about it– and she argues that in reality, nobody is happy with it. She claims that acknowledgment of such great power only makes humans experience more despair, not less.