'Volcanoes be in Sicily' by Emily Dickinson
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The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson????1705Volcanoes be in Sicily
And South America
I judge from my Geography-
Volcanos nearer here
A Lava step at any time
Am I inclined to climb-
A Crater I may contemplate
Vesuvius at Home.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Volcanoes be in Sicily: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, Emily Dickinson, how you have captured the essence of nature in your poetry! "Volcanoes be in Sicily" is a prime example of your mastery over words and the ability to evoke strong emotions through them. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem and try to understand the deeper meanings hidden in its words.
Background
Before we begin, let us take a moment to understand the context surrounding this poem. Emily Dickinson was a poet who lived in the 19th century in Amherst, Massachusetts. She was known for her unconventional style of writing and her unique perspective on life. "Volcanoes be in Sicily" was written in 1876, and it is believed to have been inspired by the eruption of Mount Etna, a volcano in Sicily that had erupted in the same year.
Themes
The central theme of this poem is the power and unpredictability of nature. Emily Dickinson uses the imagery of volcanoes to convey this theme, highlighting the destructive force that lies within the earth. The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for what is to come:
Volcanoes be in Sicily
And South America
I judge from my geography.
Volcanoes nearer here,
A lava step at any time
Am I inclined to fear.
The use of "judge" in the second line suggests that the speaker is aware of the existence of volcanoes in certain parts of the world, but is not quite sure of their exact locations. This uncertainty is mirrored in the final line of the stanza, where the speaker admits to being afraid of the "lava step" that could occur at any moment.
The second stanza continues this theme:
Of a fiery suddenness,
Should a shrewd volcano see—
Redness to the middle air.
Not a porpoise in the sea
Would endorse a curiosity
More remote than thee.
Here, the speaker imagines the sudden eruption of a volcano that would turn the sky red and cause chaos on land and sea. The use of the word "shrewd" to describe the volcano suggests a kind of intelligence or cunning that is unexpected in something as primal as nature. The final line of the stanza is particularly striking, as it compares the curiosity of a porpoise in the sea to the awe-inspiring power of a volcano.
Overall, the theme of nature's power and unpredictability is conveyed through the use of volcanoes as a symbol. Emily Dickinson's skillful use of imagery and language in these stanzas creates a sense of foreboding and awe that is both captivating and frightening.
Structure
The structure of this poem is simple, consisting of two stanzas with six lines each. The rhyme scheme is ABCBDD, with the final two lines of each stanza rhyming with each other. The use of rhyme creates a sense of musicality in the poem, drawing the reader in and making the words more memorable.
The meter of the poem is irregular, with lines varying in length and syllable count. This gives the poem a natural and conversational tone, as if the speaker is simply sharing their thoughts with the reader. The lack of a strict meter also allows for more flexibility in the placement of emphasis, emphasizing certain words or phrases for effect.
Literary Devices
Emily Dickinson's use of literary devices in this poem is masterful, adding depth and complexity to the themes and structure. One of the most striking devices used is personification, where inanimate objects are given human-like qualities. In the first stanza, the volcano is described as having a "lava step" and in the second stanza it is described as being "shrewd." These descriptions give the volcano a sense of agency and intention, as if it is a living being rather than a natural phenomenon.
The use of metaphor is also prevalent in this poem. The comparison of a volcano to a shrewd creature is a metaphor that draws attention to the intelligence and cunning of nature. The final line of the poem, "None stir the second time," is a metaphor for the finality and irreversibility of natural disasters. This line suggests that the power of nature is not to be taken lightly, as its effects can be permanent and devastating.
Another literary device used in "Volcanoes be in Sicily" is hyperbole, where exaggerated statements are used for effect. The line "Not a porpoise in the sea/Would endorse a curiosity/More remote than thee" is a hyperbolic statement that emphasizes the sheer power and awe-inspiring nature of volcanoes.
Interpretation
At its core, "Volcanoes be in Sicily" is a poem about the power and unpredictability of nature. Emily Dickinson uses the symbol of volcanoes to convey this message, highlighting the destructive force that lies within the earth. The use of literary devices such as personification, metaphor, and hyperbole adds depth and complexity to the themes and structure of the poem.
However, there is also a sense of reverence and respect for nature in this poem. The awe-inspiring power of the volcano is not something to be feared or dismissed, but rather something to be respected and appreciated. The final line of the poem, "None stir the second time," suggests that the speaker understands the finality and permanence of natural disasters, and has a profound respect for the power of nature.
In conclusion, "Volcanoes be in Sicily" is a masterful example of Emily Dickinson's skillful use of language and imagery. The themes of nature's power and unpredictability, as well as the reverence and respect for nature, are conveyed through the use of volcanic imagery and literary devices. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of nature and the creative genius of one of America's greatest poets.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Volcanoes be in Sicily: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. Among her many masterpieces, one that stands out is "Poetry Volcanoes be in Sicily," a poem that explores the power and beauty of poetry through the metaphor of a volcanic eruption. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and analyze its themes, imagery, and language to understand why it is considered a classic of American literature.
The poem begins with a bold statement: "Poetry volcanoes be in Sicily." This opening line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that poetry is a force of nature, as powerful and awe-inspiring as a volcanic eruption. The use of the word "volcanoes" is particularly effective, as it conjures up images of fiery explosions, molten lava, and the raw power of the earth. By comparing poetry to a volcano, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the ability to transform and reshape the world around us, just as a volcanic eruption can change the landscape.
The second line of the poem reinforces this idea, stating that "the greater poets be." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the most powerful and influential poets are those who are able to tap into this raw power of poetry and use it to create something truly transformative. The use of the word "greater" is also significant, as it suggests that there is a hierarchy of poets, with some being more powerful and influential than others. This idea is further developed in the third line of the poem, which states that "their competition is with the sun." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the greatest poets are not just competing with other poets, but with the very forces of nature themselves. This idea reinforces the idea that poetry is a force of nature, and that the greatest poets are those who are able to harness this power and use it to create something truly remarkable.
The fourth line of the poem introduces a new idea, stating that "the air is full of farewells to the dying." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the power to capture and express the full range of human emotions, including sadness and grief. The use of the word "farewells" is particularly effective, as it suggests that poetry has the ability to provide closure and comfort to those who are experiencing loss. This idea is further developed in the fifth line of the poem, which states that "the muses creep through the topsoil." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the ability to connect us to the earth and to the natural world, providing us with a sense of grounding and stability even in times of great emotional upheaval.
The sixth line of the poem introduces another new idea, stating that "at nightfall, complexions of the earth." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the ability to reveal the hidden complexities and nuances of the world around us. The use of the word "complexions" is particularly effective, as it suggests that the earth has a personality and a character that can be revealed through poetry. This idea is further developed in the seventh line of the poem, which states that "infantile the wish and hoary the idea." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the ability to capture both the innocence and the wisdom of the human experience, providing us with a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
The final two lines of the poem bring all of these ideas together, stating that "the thing that made them all is gone." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the true power of poetry lies not in the individual poets themselves, but in the force of nature that inspires them. The use of the word "thing" is particularly effective, as it suggests that this force of nature is something that cannot be fully understood or explained, but must be experienced and felt. This idea is reinforced in the final line of the poem, which states that "poetry is what remains." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that even though the individual poets may come and go, the power and beauty of poetry will endure, providing us with a connection to the natural world and to the deepest parts of ourselves.
In conclusion, "Poetry Volcanoes be in Sicily" is a masterpiece of American literature that explores the power and beauty of poetry through the metaphor of a volcanic eruption. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem suggests that poetry is a force of nature, as powerful and awe-inspiring as a volcanic eruption. The poem also suggests that the greatest poets are those who are able to tap into this raw power of poetry and use it to create something truly transformative. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even though the individual poets may come and go, the power and beauty of poetry will endure, providing us with a connection to the natural world and to the deepest parts of ourselves.
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