Where Corals Lie Poem Analysis
The Lure of the Sea: Analyzing Richard Garnett's "Where Corals Lie"Introduction
"Where Corals Lie" is a lyric poem penned by the English writer Richard Garnett in the late 19th century. The poem is best known for its musical adaptation by the composer Sir Edward Elgar, who included it as part of his song cycle "Sea Pictures" (1899). In this article, we will analyze the themes, structure, and imagery of "Where Corals Lie," exploring the poem's portrayal of the sea as an enchanting, mysterious realm.
Structure and Form
"Where Corals Lie" comprises four stanzas, each consisting of six lines. The poem follows a rhyme scheme of ABABCC, with the exception of the third stanza, which has a rhyme scheme of ABABCB. The poem's structure and musical quality lend it a melodic and rhythmic flow, which is further enhanced by the repetition of key phrases, such as "the wild world" and "the purple land."
Themes: Longing, Escape, and the Allure of the Sea
One of the central themes of "Where Corals Lie" is the longing for escape from the mundane realities of the world. The poem conveys a sense of yearning for the enchanting realm of the sea, which is depicted as a place of beauty, wonder, and tranquility. The sea is personified as a seductive and alluring force that calls to the speaker, inviting them to abandon their earthly existence and embrace the mysteries of the deep:
"The deeps have music soft and low
When winds awake the airy spry,
It lures me, lures me on to go
And see the land where corals lie."
The poem also explores themes of transformation and rebirth, as the speaker imagines themselves being transformed by the sea's embrace. The sea is portrayed as a purifying force, washing away the burdens and concerns of the world:
"By what feasts of love unmeasured,
Angel-wings or wings of dove,
Shall we pass, to land and find
The dear lost treasures left behind?"
Imagery and Symbolism
"Where Corals Lie" is rich with vivid imagery and symbolic language that evoke the enchanting beauty of the sea. The sea's coral reefs are described as a "land where corals lie," symbolizing the allure and mystery of the underwater realm. The poem also incorporates the imagery of angel wings and doves, suggesting a sense of purity and divine beauty associated with the sea.
The poem employs contrasts between the "wild world" of the land and the serenity of the sea, further emphasizing the longing for escape and transformation. The imagery of the "purple land" signifies the rich, vibrant colors of the sea, while the "wild world" represents the harsher, less appealing aspects of the terrestrial world.
Conclusion
Richard Garnett's "Where Corals Lie" is a captivating poem that explores themes of longing, escape, and the allure of the sea. Through its melodic structure, evocative imagery, and symbolic language, the poem transports the reader to a realm of enchantment and wonder, inviting them to contemplate the mysteries and transformative powers of the sea. The poem's enduring appeal is further enhanced by its musical adaptation by Sir Edward Elgar, which beautifully captures the poem's lyrical quality and emotional resonance.