Stephen Crane

To the Maiden

To the Maiden - meaning Summary

Contrasting Perceptions of Nature

The poem sets up a sharp contrast between two observers of the same sea: a maiden who sees it as a blue, singing meadow, and a wrecked sailor who perceives it as dead, grey walls bearing the grim hatred of nature. The poem explores how personal circumstance and fate shape perception, suggesting nature is emotionally neutral yet can appear benevolent or hostile depending on human experience.

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To the maiden The sea was blue meadow, Alive with little froth-people Singing. To the sailor, wrecked, The sea was dead grey walls Superlative in vacancy, Upon which nevertheless at fateful time Was written The grim hatred of nature.

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