Poem Analysis - Before Storm

A Looming Threat: Introduction to "Before Storm"

"Before Storm" by Lucy Maud Montgomery paints a vivid and unsettling portrait of a harbor anticipating a violent storm. The poem is steeped in a pervasive sense of dread and foreboding, beginning with a subtle unease and escalating into outright fear. The tone is somber and apprehensive, shifting from descriptive observation to a desperate plea for protection. This transition reflects a growing awareness of the storm's potential consequences, particularly for those at sea.

Canadian Context of Perilous Waters

Lucy Maud Montgomery, a Canadian author, would have been familiar with the maritime environment and the dangers faced by those who relied on the sea for their livelihoods. Coastal communities in Canada, particularly in the Atlantic provinces, have a long history of dealing with harsh weather conditions and the potential for shipwrecks. This historical context likely informs the poem's realistic portrayal of the impending storm and the anxieties of those left behind.

Fear, Fate and Feminine Anxiety

One of the prominent themes in "Before Storm" is the overwhelming sense of fear in the face of nature's power. This fear is palpable in the descriptions of the harbor: "grayness...like fear on the face of a woman," and the waves that "sob" and "moan." The theme of fate is also interwoven, particularly in the final stanza, where the speaker recognizes the helplessness of those onshore to influence the storm's outcome for the ship at sea. This leads to the third theme, which is the palpable feminine anxiety for the safety of the men at sea and the potential for loss, captured in the "vigil of sorrow" kept by the women left behind. The poem showcases the vulnerability and reliance of those connected to seafaring life.

Symbolism of Sea and Sky

The poem uses strong visual and auditory imagery to create a sense of impending doom. The "grayness over the harbor" is a recurring symbol of the oppressive atmosphere and the loss of hope. The "mists [that] rise, like ghosts of the sea" evoke images of death and the unknown, foreshadowing potential tragedy. The "dour north-eastern sky" symbolizes the source of the threat, a dark and ominous presence looming over the community. The birds escaping back to shore are in contrast to the gulls that are not, symbolizing that only the very strong or very foolish dare to challenge the sea. The ship at sea becomes symbolic for all those who are exposed to the unforgiving power of nature.

The Human Cost: Plea for Divine Intervention

The poem's climax lies in its final stanza, where the personal connection to the sailors becomes explicit. The shift from descriptive observation to direct address – "O women, we pray tonight" – emphasizes the human cost of the storm. The speaker's plea for "God help and pity her" underscores the vulnerability of the ship and its crew, highlighting the powerlessness of human beings against the forces of nature. The poem is not merely a description of a storm, but a lament for those whose lives are at the mercy of the sea, inviting reflection on the precariousness of life and the enduring power of hope and despair.