Spender, Stephen. "Seascape".
Summary
- the speaker describes the smooth surface of the ocean = essentially unmoving, permanent
- the ocean mirrors the objects on the shore, absorbs the sounds from the shore, and swallows the butterflies in a "ritual sacrifice"
- the ocean consumes even ships, cities, etc.
Analysis
- irregularly rhymed
- the awing superiority of the ocean capable of "ritual sacrifice"
- the fearful powerfulness of the ocean capable of swallowing man-made creations
- fascination by the almost god-like quality of the ocean
- awareness of the smallness of human beings and their inconsequential actions
Basics
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Author
Spender, Stephen. (1909 - 1995). -
Full Title
"Seascape". -
Form
Poem.
Works Cited
Spender, Stephen. "Seascape". Collected Poems. 1928 - 1985. London: Faber and Faber, 1990.