Here's why:
* Literal Meaning: A house is a physical structure, a place of dwelling.
* Figurative Meaning: Dickinson uses "house" to represent the realm of imagination, creativity, and potential.
How the Metaphor Works:
* "I dwell in Possibility": This line establishes the speaker's residence in a place that is not literal.
* "A spacious house": "Spacious" suggests the vastness and expansiveness of the imagination.
* "An ample room": "Ample" implies the abundant potential and resources available within the creative mind.
* "I dwell in Possibility": The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the importance and centrality of imagination in the speaker's life.
Overall Effect:
Through this extended metaphor, Dickinson conveys the idea that the mind is a boundless space where creativity and possibility flourish. The "house" image becomes a symbol for the fertile ground of imagination, where the speaker finds solace, fulfillment, and endless exploration.