How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
A brackish reach of shoal off Madaket—
The sea was still breaking violently and night
Had steamed into our North Atlantic Fleet, (1-3)
Our first introduction to the sea is not a pleasant one. Usually the word "violently" indicates that some violence is being done to someone, and in this case it's to the sailors who have to battle the waves. It's dark, too, which makes the sea storm extra dangerous for our men. Lowell is starting off the poem by basically saying, "Hey, humans… the sea is not your friend."
Quote #2
The terns and sea-gulls tremble at your death
In these home waters. (29-30)
The sea might not be too concerned about the death of the sailor, but the birds are feeling pretty bummed. Yeah, yeah, we know it's personification, but the crying seabirds are the only creatures that seem to feel grief for the loss of human life. They're a friendly figure in the otherwise unfriendly world of the poem. At least someone cares.
Quote #3
The winds' wings beat upon the stones,
Cousin, and scream for you and the claws rush
At the sea's throat and wring it in the slush (39-41)
The wind seems to be mourning the death of the sailor, too. But don't be too easily fooled; it's also causing one crazy storm, beating upon the stones and causes the sea to whip about wildly. Is the wind mad at the sea, or at the sailors?