"Sonnet XXIV"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the setting in Emily Dickinson's poem, "Sonnet XXIV" is abstract, written from images conjured up in her imagination, because it is widely known that Dickinson had never even seen the sea in real life. The author points out that the form of this poem is closed because Dickinson follows a very definite rhyme scheme with the last word in the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming; the meter is a variation between iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter. The paper relates that the poem seems to be more playful and fun than anything else, even though the poet comes close to being overtaken by the sea; therefore, the poem is allegorical because, like many of Dickinson's poems, it approaches a serious issue with an almost light mood and tone.

From the Paper:

""Sonnet XXIV" contains several figures of speech. We see an example of metonymy when the speaker is describing the deepest parts of the ocean as a basement. The silver heel and the pearl that the poet describes are metaphors for the sea foam. The poet also employs personification regarding the sea in many instances. For example, when she describes the "extended hempen hands", we can almost see the sea embracing her. This image of the hands is also an example of synecdoche. She also personifies the sea when she thinks that it might eat her up. In addition, the sea follows behind the speaker, bows, and withdraws. These images are repeated to emphasize the idea that the sea is a powerful force."

More papers on "Sonnet XXIV":

• Term Paper # 129332 : "The Evolving Sonnet"
• Poem Review # 122658 : "Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18" and Nadvornik's "Alison's Sonnet"
• Analytical Essay # 30061 : "Shakespeare: Sonnet 1"

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