"shadowy silent distance..."See in text(Text of the Poem)
This stanza uses sibilance, or the repetition of words beginning with the letter “s” in order to generate a hissing sound when the words are read aloud. Sibilance creates a foreboding, sinister tone that foreshadows the Titanic’s fatal collision with the iceberg.
Hardy uses both personification and metaphor, a literary device comparing two different things by implying or stating that they are the same thing, in his portrayal of the Titanic and the iceberg. The Titanic is depicted as a bride, the iceberg is her “sinister mate,” and their eventual wedding is a metaphor for their collision.
"And query: "What does this vaingloriousness down here?" ......"See in text(Text of the Poem)
This line employs personification, the attribution of human emotions or qualities to nonhuman things. The personification of “moon-eyed fishes” asking about the “gilded” jewels extends the image from the previous stanza and underscores the arrogance, or “vaingloriousness,” of humans who believe themselves to be superior to nature.
"bleared and black and blind..."See in text(Text of the Poem)
The repeated use of the conjunction “and” is an example of polysyndeton, or the repetition of conjunctions like “and,” “but,” and “or” in rapid succession. Polysyndeton reinforces the rhythm of the stanza while also highlighting the dramatic image of once-gleaming jewels lying at the bottom of the sea.
"bleared and black and blind..."See in text(Text of the Poem)
This stanza contains alliteration, the repetition of consonants in succession in order to call attention to rhythm, word choice, or imagery. The repetition of the letter “b” in “bleared,” “black,” and “blind” highlights the stark contrast of the sparkling “jewels in joy” with their dull appearance at the bottom of the ocean. In this context, alliteration ultimately underscores the futility of luxury and status in the face of powerful natural forces.
"the Pride of Life..."See in text(Text of the Poem)
The phrase “Pride of Life” is an example of metonymy, or the substitution of the name of something for one of its qualities or attributes. “Pride of Life” represents humankind, particularly the “human vanity” that led to the construction of the Titanic. The speaker thus reveals an element of disdain for those whose hubris led them to believe they could build a ship capable of withstanding the forces of God and nature.
