Poem Analysis - Volcanoes Be In Sicily

A World of Interiority

Emily Dickinson's "Volcanoes be in Sicily" is a concise exploration of internal passion and powerful emotions. The poem initially presents a seemingly detached, almost academic observation of volcanoes located in distant lands. However, it quickly pivots to reveal the speaker's inner world, suggesting that equally potent, perhaps even more immediate, forces reside within. The tone shifts from objective observation to personal revelation, creating a sense of intimate and contained power.

The Eruption Within

One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of contained passion. The opening lines establish a geographical distance, with volcanoes existing only in Sicily and South America. This distance is then contrasted with the speaker's assertion that volcanoes are "nearer here," implying that the speaker herself embodies a volcanic force. The "Lava step at any time" suggests the imminence of an emotional eruption, held just beneath the surface. Dickinson uses geographical terms to create an image of the mind as a land to be explored.

Home as a Psychological Landscape

The concept of home as a psychological space is also central to the poem. The phrase "Vesuvius at Home" is particularly striking. It suggests that the speaker's inner world is as powerful and potentially destructive as the famous volcano. "Home" is not merely a physical location but a representation of the self, a place where intense emotions are nurtured and contained. Here, emotion is equated with danger, in the way that any sudden action can cause harm.

The Power of Imagery

The poem relies heavily on volcanic imagery to convey its message. Volcanoes are symbols of raw power, pent-up energy, and potential devastation. The "Lava step" evokes a sense of danger and the nearness of an eruption, while the "Crater" invites contemplation of the aftermath of such an event. The image of "climbing" the lava step suggests a deliberate choice to confront or engage with these powerful emotions, embracing them as part of the self, even if dangerous. Could the act of "contemplating" the Crater be seen as a form of self-analysis? Is the speaker suggesting that one must understand the results of their actions before they act?

Concluding Thoughts: The Interior Eruption

In conclusion, "Volcanoes be in Sicily" is a powerful metaphor for the human capacity for intense emotion. Dickinson uses geographical and geological imagery to create a portrait of the self as a landscape charged with latent power. The poem's brevity and simplicity belie the depth of its exploration of inner turmoil and the potential for both destruction and creation that lies within. The poem shows us the power of imagination to create our own worlds. The true landscape the author is describing is the human mind.