Volcanoes Be In Sicily Emily Dickinson Analysis

In “Volcanoes be in Sicily,” Emily Dickinson relates herself to powerful volcanoes, such as Vesuvius, to exemplify the power of her mind. Dickinson states that destructive volcanoes are closer to her in mind than they are physically on Earth, and she views her volcanic mind as being an almost inspirational force. She is proud of her ability to manifest Vesuvius in her mind, knowing that maintaining control as a poet makes her capable of controlling the monstrous powers in her head. Dickinson uses “Volcanoes be in Sicily” not to personify her anger, but to demonstrate the intangible power and control in her mind that makes her, as a poet, stronger than physical sources of power. Dickinson mentions volcanoes around the world, but states volcanoes are geographically closer to her in her mind, demonstrating what is created in her mind is more powerful than an actual volcano. By “judg[ing] from [her] [g]eography [that] [v]olcanos [are] nearer” to her, she conveys that the volcanic action in her mind is more powerful than that of volcanoes around the world (ll.3-4). She deems the manifestations of her thoughts as more powerful than physical acts of nature.

She states that “a [l]ava step at any time [a]m I inclined to climb,” and her inclination to climb these steps show she is positively drawn to doing such a task (ll. 5 & 6). Regret or bitterness are often tied to emotions of anger, but Dickinson’s does not regret her volcanic mindset. By being inclined to travel on the lava in her mind, she shows she likes being in the midst of the volcanoes, showing the positive connotations of her metaphor. She uses her volcano metaphor to demonstrate her influence, not passionate emotions she cannot