III
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.
This poem deals with how two different people can see the same scenario in two entirely different perspectives. Crane uses two opposing descriptions to clearly show his point, the maiden sees a happy and delightful sight, while the sailor sees nothing but misery and loneliness. The maiden sees all little “froth-people” and the sailor sees nothing at all, for to him the sea is superlative in vacancy. By using these two opposing perspectives, Crane vividly demonstrates the beauty and the destructive power of the sea.
Nice pictures, blogger!