Poem Analysis - It Tossed And Tossed

A Concise Elegy of a Shipwreck

Emily Dickinson's "It Tossed and Tossed" is a short, poignant elegy depicting the demise of a small ship, referred to as a "Brig," caught in a storm. The poem's tone begins with a sense of observation and then transitions into a lament, ultimately ending with a resignation to the power of nature. The poem uses simple language and vivid imagery to convey the sudden and tragic end of the ship and its crew, highlighting the indifference of the ocean to their fate.

The Unyielding Power of Nature

One of the central themes in the poem is the overwhelming power of nature. The "Blast" that overtakes the "little Brig" is a symbol of nature's force, portrayed as an unstoppable agent of destruction. The repetition of "tossed and tossed" and "spun and spun" emphasizes the ship's helplessness against the storm. The ocean's final state, "too smooth too Blue," further highlights this theme; it is unperturbed and beautiful despite the tragedy that has just occurred, demonstrating its indifferent nature.

Mortality and the Fragility of Life

The poem starkly presents the theme of mortality and the fragility of life. The "Brig" can be interpreted as a metaphor for human life, vulnerable and susceptible to the unpredictable forces of fate. The imagery of the ship "groping delirious, for Morn" evokes a sense of desperation and the final struggle for survival. The image of the "white foot" tripping and the ship "dropping from sight" emphasizes the sudden and irreversible nature of death, suggesting how easily life can be extinguished.

Symbolism of the "Brig" and the "Ocean's Heart"

The "Brig" itself functions as a significant symbol. It is not just a ship but represents human endeavor and vulnerability. The ship's struggle against the "Blast" and eventual sinking symbolize the challenges and ultimate defeat that humans face in the face of mortality. The "Ocean's Heart," described as "too smooth too Blue," is a powerful symbol of nature's indifference to human suffering. Its smooth surface contrasts sharply with the violence of the storm, suggesting that the natural world continues unaffected by individual tragedies. Is the "Ocean's Heart" indifferent or simply unaware of the lives lost within it?

Finality and Acceptance in the Face of Loss

In conclusion, "It Tossed and Tossed" is a powerful miniature elegy that explores themes of nature's power, human mortality, and the fragility of life. Through vivid imagery and stark simplicity, Dickinson captures the tragic end of a small ship and its crew. The poem's finality lies in its acceptance of nature's indifference and the inevitability of death, leaving the reader to contemplate the precariousness of human existence against the backdrop of a vast and unyielding world. The poem's brief yet impactful narrative serves as a reminder of the forces beyond our control and the finality of human endeavors.