Poem Analysis - La Mer

Initial Impressions and Tone

La Mer by Oscar Wilde presents a vivid and dramatic seascape, capturing the raw power and mystery of the ocean. The poem's tone is initially ominous and foreboding, with a sense of isolation and danger. As the poem progresses, the tone shifts to one of awe and admiration for the natural world's untamed beauty. The use of vivid imagery and stark contrasts creates a sense of the sublime, where the beauty of nature is both awe-inspiring and slightly terrifying.

Themes of Isolation and Nature's Power

One of the main themes in La Mer is isolation. The poem describes a lone steersman at the wheel, who is "but a shadow in the gloom." This image emphasizes the smallness and isolation of human beings in the face of nature's vast and unpredictable power. The "huge and heaving dome" of the sky and the "shattered storm" highlight the immense and overwhelming force of nature, which dwarfs human presence and control. The "throbbing engine-room" and "long rods of polished steel" suggest a futile attempt at human mastery over nature, which ultimately fails to tame the sea's wildness.

Themes of Nature's Beauty and Fierceness

Another prominent theme is the dual nature of beauty and fierceness in the natural world. The "white mist" and "wild moon" create a hauntingly beautiful scene, but the moon is also described as "gleaming like an angry lion's eye," suggesting a hidden danger. The "tawny clouds" and "yellow foam" add to the sense of a wild, untamed landscape. The "thin threads of yellow foam" floating on the waves like "ravelled lace" is a striking image that combines delicacy with the aftermath of a storm's violence. This contrast underscores the theme of nature's duality, where beauty and danger coexist.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and vivid imagery. The "white mist" and "wild moon" symbolize the mysterious and unpredictable aspects of nature. The "angry lion's eye" is a powerful metaphor for the moon, suggesting a fierce and watchful presence in the sky. The "shadow" of the steersman represents human vulnerability and insignificance in the face of nature's grandeur. The "throbbing engine-room" and "long rods of polished steel" symbolize human technology and industry, which are dwarfed by the natural world's raw power. The "yellow foam" and "ravelled lace" are striking images that convey the delicate yet violent aftermath of a storm, highlighting the transient and ephemeral nature of beauty in the natural world.

Conclusion

La Mer by Oscar Wilde is a powerful exploration of nature's duality, where beauty and danger coexist. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, the poem conveys a sense of awe and admiration for the natural world's untamed beauty. The themes of isolation and nature's power are developed through the use of symbolism and vivid imagery, creating a sense of the sublime. The poem ultimately underscores the smallness and vulnerability of human beings in the face of nature's immense and unpredictable force, inviting readers to reflect on their place in the natural world.