Poem Analysis - By The Sea

Introduction: A Dialogue on Progress and Morality

Emily Dickinson's "By the Sea" is a thoughtful meditation on contrasting perspectives of progress, morality, and the corrupting influence of pleasure. The poem is structured in two distinct parts, presenting a dialogue between the historical figures of Caesar and Cicero, and then shifting to a more intimate, sensual scene. The tone oscillates between intellectual debate and a celebration of physical indulgence, ultimately suggesting the limitations of rigid moral viewpoints in the face of natural beauty and sensory experience. The poem subtly questions whether the pursuit of pleasure necessarily equates to societal decline.

Ancient Rome and Shifting Values

While the poem does not directly reflect Dickinson's personal life, it draws heavily on historical and cultural context, specifically referencing ancient Rome. Caesar, representing a period of expansion, opulence, and evolving social norms, is contrasted with Cicero, who embodies traditional Roman values, republican ideals, and a suspicion of foreign influences. This opposition allows Dickinson to explore the tension between embracing change and adhering to established moral principles, reflecting broader societal anxieties about progress and the potential loss of virtue.

The Sea as a Symbol of Change and Temptation

One of the main themes explored is the tension between tradition and change, embodied in the sea itself. For Cicero, the sea represents disorder, foreign influence, and a distraction from the virtues of inland life – stability, self-reliance, and tradition. The “indented coastline” and “disunity” of the Greeks are connected, implying that openness to outside influence leads to weakness. Conversely, for Caesar and the lovers in the second part of the poem, the sea represents freedom, sensuality, and a liberation from moral constraints. The "waves" and the "sand" are agents of change, washing away old habits and accepting the "limp bodies" without judgment.

Sensuality and the Rejection of Moralism

The poem also explores the theme of pleasure versus puritanism. The second part of the poem shifts focus, moving from a philosophical discussion to a sensual depiction of lovers by the sea. The images are vivid and tactile: "sand inside our bed," "prone on your lazy bottom," "sea-lights undulate." This sensual indulgence is explicitly positioned against Cicero's moralistic viewpoint. The lighthouse and marram grass become symbols of resistance to moral judgment, implying that nature itself defies rigid ethical codes. The phrase "Our Golden Age is now" is repeated, but with a shift in focus: from Caesar's focus on intellectual and artistic achievements, to the lovers' focus on physical pleasure and shared experience, implying that there are many possible definitions of a golden age.

The Contaminating Influence of Nature?

A recurring image is the potential contamination of the sea and sun. Cicero believes that "the sea and sun contaminate", suggesting that exposure to the natural world corrupts moral purity. This can be interpreted as the influence of foreign cultures or simply as the corrupting effect of leisure and sensuality. However, the poem seems to challenge this view by presenting the sea and sun as sources of liberation and sensory delight, leading to a state of "simplified" existence. The ambiguity lies in whether this simplification is a positive shedding of unnecessary burdens or a negative stripping away of essential moral values.

Conclusion: Beyond Rigid Morality

"By the Sea" is a nuanced exploration of the conflicting values of tradition and progress, morality and pleasure. Through the contrasting figures of Caesar and Cicero, and the sensuous imagery of the lovers by the sea, Dickinson suggests that rigid moral frameworks may fail to encompass the full spectrum of human experience. The poem ultimately invites readers to consider the complexities of change, the allure of pleasure, and the potential for beauty and meaning to be found outside the confines of conventional morality. Is it possible that by giving ourselves to change, like the waves and sand, we might find a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world, even if it means questioning the very foundations of our beliefs?