Analyzing

"Volcano You Can

Not Erupt"
GG Name:- Mehak Devani
College roll no.:- 2306099
University roll no.:- 23002504056
Poem Overview
Author Information
The poem was written by
Rabindranath Tagore, has clearly
presented social injustice of
violating the human rights. His
play MUKTADHARA consist of
such social injustice. The drama
is full of injustice that vex the
modern world the misuse of
science by man, the pursuit of
pleasure and the worship of the
machine race and system of
education.
Poem Summary
"Volcano You Can Not Erupt" is a
meditation on the power and
unpredictability of nature.
Throughout the poem, the
narrator compares the explosive
force of a volcano to the
overwhelming emotions we
experience as human beings.
Poem Analysis
We'll delve into the deeper
meaning and structure of the
poem, analyzing the themes of
nature and human impact, as
well as the poetic style and word
choice.
Relevance Today
Environmental Issues
The poem's exploration of the power and
fragility of nature is more relevant than ever
in a world where climate change threatens
our planet.
Human Impact on Nature
As humans continue to alter and exploit the
natural environment, "Volcano You Can Not
Erupt" becomes a poignant reflection on
our impact on the world around us.

Ecological Themes
The study of ecology requires an interdisciplinary approach, which includes literature. This poem
is a prime example of how poetry can shed light on ecological issues.
Inclusion in "Ecology and Literature"
1 Interdisciplinary Learning
The study of ecology is not limited to scientific analysis. Incorporating literature helps
students understand complex ecological issues from a different perspective.

2 Ecological Themes in Poetry

Poetry can offer unique insights into ecological issues by tapping into emotions and
imagination. "Volcano You Can Not Erupt" is a prime example of how literature can spark
ecological discussions.

3 Critical Analysis
The poem challenges readers to think deeply about our relationship with the natural world
and how we can become more environmentally responsible. Analyzing this poem can help
students engage in critical thinking.
Explanation of Stanzas
STANZA-1
Some, among them, say: Volcano, remain asleep, you cannot erupt,
1 Volcano, stay asleep, you cannot get angry. Some, among them,
speak again: Lava, remain slumbering, you cannot stir, Lava,
remain slumbering, you just cannot wake up.

Explanation - The poet begins the poem with an image of present

state of Manipuri, where people shouting “Volcano, remain asleep
you cannot erupt/ Volcano, stay asleep you cannot get angry”. He
uses the suspected volcano eruption of ukhrul as Deus ex machina
which acts as a destroyer/ a destructive force. The opening stanza
provides a picture where “Some, among them” pleading the volcano
not to erupt or stir. The phrase, “Some, among them” yields to
various interpretations.
STANZA-2
2. Inside those dark, bolted cages How would they bear, eyes
closed, and feet bound, those who wished to soar at will in the
sky’s pristine air, Those fledglings, the children of gods?
explanation - Refers to the crisis of Manipur during the insurgency of 1970s, in
which hundreds of children were killed and kidnaped by the Indian Army Forces
using the Special Power Act. The words used by the poet gives a gloomy
atmosphere to the poetry. Ibopishak describes the condition in which the
children were kidnaped. The “dark, bolted cages” metaphorically symbolize
subjugation of the natives. The stanza further more gives a picture of the dead
children killed in genocide. The “dark, bolted cage” also embodies the coffin, in
which the children are kept “eyes closed and feet bound”. The poet laments
that the children’s desire to fly in the colourful sky has been shattered and
destroyed and calls them “the children of gods”.
STANZA-3
3.Pour in filth, pour in faeces, by heaps, the holy misdeeds to fill
up the clear depths of the earth to her brim: For future
generations too, for the years and the centuries Create an
unregenerate, rotten society. Lava, you cannot open your eyes.

explanation - he third stanza, Is an Apostrophe addressed to the

Volcano by the poet. He instructs the Valcano to discharge filth and
dirt, which indicates the misdeeds done by the villainous
Army/Oppressor, back to the earth and create “an unregenerated,
rotton society”. This shows the poets rage towards the dystopian
reign of the oppressor.
STANZA-4
4.Only a child of yesterday in their mothers’ and their fathers’
eyes, precious gems tied to the hems of their cloaks and leaving
only copious tears in their stead. Where have all of them gone?

explanation - In the stanza four, the poet again talks about the
children who were dear to their parents. He describes them as
“Precious gems tied to the hems of cloaks”. But now, the children
have left unending tears and sorrows in their places. He ends the
stanza with a saddened question “Where have all of them gone?”.
STANZA-5
5.Pour in the dirt, the filth, The unholy misdeeds, heap upon
heap, then look, look your fill At the foothills of wild mountains
Those who soar beyond the cage, These pure children of gods,
the birds, Blood pouring from their bodies. And their pinions
unhinged, after wallowing in pain in the hills’ dust, How they
made their last journeys
explanation- The fifth stanza works as a refrain in the beginning but eventually
it ends as a picture of pain and suffering. In the stanza, the poet compares the
children of gods as birds. The comparison gives a wider perspective to analyse
the subject. The birds are inside the cage, they attempt to fly inside the cage but
unfortunately their wings are unbalanced or cracked and furthermore the birds
are described as bleeding. The image of caged bird can be analogized with
Maya Angelo’s “Caged Bird” which indicates the child labour/ slavery system.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The poem "Volcano" by Thangjam Ibopishak is a powerful representaion of
the anger and frustraion of the people of Manipur, an Indian state located in
the northeastern part of the country. The poem draws upon powerful
metaphors of nature, such as volcanoes and lava, to capture the deep sense of
outrage and despair felt by the people of Manipur. At the same me, the poem
also makes use of powerful metaphors of nature to suggest that the people of
Manipur are not powerless in the face of their oppression. The image of the
volcano, for example, suggests the deep-seated anger and frustra on that is
bubbling just beneath the surface. The lines "volcano, remain asleep, you
cannot erupt" and "Lava, remain slumbering, you cannot still" suggest that
this anger is being suppressed and held in check, but it is still very much
present andalive.Ultimately, the poem is a call to act on, urging the people of
Manipur to rise up against their oppressors and ght for their freedom and
dignity. The image of the "endless blue sky" represents the dream of a beer
future, one in which the people of Manipur are able to soar free endangered.
By drawing upon powerful metaphors of nature, the poem suggests that this
dream is not impossible, but it will require courage, determination, and a
willingness to ght against the forces of oppression and injustice.