Marina (Eliot) - T.S. Eliot
A Journey Through Loss and Reunion in T.S. Eliot's Masterpiece
What seas what shores what grey rocks and what islands
What water lapping the bow
And scent of pine and the woodthrush singing through the fog
What images return
O my daughter
Those who sharpen the tooth of the dog, meaning
Death
Those who glitter with the glory of the hummingbird, meaning
Life
What is the late November doing
With the disturbance of the spring
With the jars and jars of silence that enclose
The minutes of the day
With the thunder of the guns in the distance
What seas what shores what granite islands
What waves breaking on the shore
And the sound of the wind in the pines
What images return
O my daughter
Those who sharpen the tooth of the dog, meaning
Death
Those who glitter with the glory of the hummingbird, meaning
Life
What is the late November doing
With the jars and jars of silence that enclose
The minutes of the day
With the thunder of the guns in the distance
What seas what shores what islands
What water lapping the stern
And the sound of the wind in the pines
What images return
O my daughter
Those who sharpen the tooth of the dog, meaning
Death
Those who glitter with the glory of the hummingbird, meaning
Life
Introduction to the Poem
"Marina" is a poignant poem written by T.S. Eliot, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. This piece is part of his collection Ash Wednesday, published in 1930, which marks Eliot's shift towards spiritual themes and introspection. The poem draws its title from Shakespeare's play Pericles, Prince of Tyre, where Marina is the long-lost daughter of Pericles. In this context, Eliot uses the imagery and emotions surrounding the reunion of father and daughter to explore profound existential questions.
Overview of Themes
The central themes of "Marina" revolve around life and death, memory and time, nature and human experience. Through vivid natural imagery and reflective musings, Eliot contemplates the transient nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the complex interplay between these forces. The recurring motif of questioning "What seas what shores..." reflects a search for meaning and understanding amidst life’s uncertainties.
Detailed Analysis
Natural Imagery and Symbolism:
- Seas, Shores, Islands: These elements symbolize vastness, mystery, and exploration. They evoke a sense of journeying—both physical and metaphysical—as if searching for answers across uncharted territories. The repeated mention of these natural features suggests an ongoing quest for knowledge or peace.
- Pine Trees and Wood Thrush: Pine trees often represent longevity and steadfastness, while the wood thrush’s song cutting through fog introduces a moment of clarity or beauty amid obscurity. Together, they highlight the persistence of life even in challenging conditions.
- Water Lapping: The gentle sound of water against a boat (bow or stern) creates a soothing rhythm that contrasts with more turbulent aspects of existence mentioned later in the poem, such as 'thunder of guns'.
Life vs. Death:
- Eliot juxtaposes two powerful symbols: those who sharpen the tooth of the dog (representing death) and those who glitter like the hummingbird (symbolizing life). This duality underscores the constant tension between creation and destruction, vitality and mortality.
- By repeating these lines throughout the poem, Eliot emphasizes their significance, inviting readers to reflect deeply on how life and death are intertwined and ever-present.
Time and Memory:
- Late November: Typically associated with decay and endings, late November here might signify a period of transition or decline. It raises questions about what remains when seasons change—what memories linger?
- Jars of Silence: An evocative metaphor suggesting stored moments of quiet reflection or perhaps forgotten times. Enclosing ‘minutes of the day’ implies capturing fleeting instances, preserving them within silence.
- Thunder of Guns: A stark reminder of conflict and disruption, contrasting sharply with serene natural scenes. This auditory intrusion disrupts any peaceful contemplation, forcing acknowledgment of harsh realities beyond personal introspection.
Emotional Undertones
The refrain “O my daughter” adds a layer of emotional depth, hinting at paternal affection, loss, or longing. Whether literal or figurative, addressing someone as 'daughter' conveys intimacy and concern, possibly echoing Pericles’ joy upon finding Marina after years of separation. This address also personalizes universal themes, making abstract concepts feel immediate and relatable.
Conclusion
In "Marina," T.S. Eliot crafts a meditative exploration of fundamental human experiences through rich symbolism and lyrical language. By weaving together images of nature, reflections on life and death, and considerations of time’s passage, he invites readers to ponder their own journeys. Ultimately, the poem resonates as both a personal meditation and a broader commentary on the human condition, encapsulating the beauty and complexity inherent in our existence.
Key points
T.S. Eliot’s 'Marina' delves into the profound emotions of longing and reconciliation, blending classical allusions with personal introspection to depict a journey toward healing and renewal; it invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of separation and rediscovery while showcasing Eliot's mastery of language, symbolism, and metaphysical exploration.
