Poem Analysis - The Drop That Wrestles In The Sea

A Humble Plea for Significance

Emily Dickinson's "The Drop, That Wrestles In The Sea" is a compact yet profound exploration of individual identity within a vast, indifferent universe. The poem begins with a sense of struggle and longing, gradually shifting to a feeling of hopeful, albeit perhaps delusional, connection. Its tone is initially melancholic and questioning, eventually moving towards a tentative assertion of self-worth, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The poem uses the imagery of a single drop of water to express the universal human desire for meaning and recognition.

Yearning in a Vast Expanse

One of the central themes of the poem is the yearning for significance. The drop of water, representing an individual, "wrestles in the Sea," suggesting a struggle to maintain its identity and impact within a boundless environment. It "forgets her own locality," mirroring how individuals can lose themselves in the immensity of existence. The phrase "As I toward Thee" suggests a similar longing for connection and recognition from a higher power or a loved one. This intimate comparison immediately personalizes the struggle of the drop, imbuing it with a human desire for connection.

The Illusion of Importance

The poem also delves into the theme of the illusion of importance. The drop, though "small," believes itself to be "an incense," a precious and fragrant offering. This self-perception, though perhaps inflated, is vital to the drop's sense of self-worth. However, the line "Yet small she sighs if All is All / How larger be?" reveals a lingering doubt and a recognition of its own insignificance within the grand scheme of things. This poignant question encapsulates the human struggle to reconcile our inherent limitations with our desire to matter.

Ocean's Indifference, Drop's Determination

A further theme explored in the poem is the confrontation with indifference. The "Ocean smiles at her Conceit," highlighting the vastness and seeming apathy of the universe toward individual aspirations. The ocean, personified as "Amphitrite" (a Greek sea goddess), represents an uncaring, or perhaps simply unaware, power. Yet, the drop "forgetting Amphitrite" and pleading "Me?" demonstrates a remarkable resilience and a continued insistence on its own existence and value. The final line is particularly powerful, conveying both vulnerability and defiance in the face of potential rejection.

A Symbol of the Self

The primary symbol in the poem is the drop of water itself. It represents the individual self, striving for recognition and purpose in a world that often seems indifferent. The sea, in contrast, symbolizes the vastness of existence, the universe, or perhaps even societal pressures that threaten to overwhelm individual identity. The act of "wrestling" suggests a struggle against these forces, a fight for self-preservation and meaning. The "incense" imagery further emphasizes the drop's desire to be seen as valuable and worthy, to leave a mark on the world.

The Unquenchable Quest

In conclusion, "The Drop, That Wrestles In The Sea" is a powerful exploration of the human desire for meaning and connection within a vast and often indifferent world. Through the simple yet evocative image of a single drop of water, Dickinson captures the universal struggle to maintain individual identity and find purpose in the face of overwhelming odds. The poem ultimately speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the unyielding quest for significance, even when confronted with the seeming insignificance of our own existence.