"When I have cross'd the bar...."See in text(Text of the Poem)
Crossing the bar is an extended metaphor for crossing the boundary between life and death. A metaphor is a device in which two different things are compared by implying or stating that they are the same thing. An extended metaphor unfolds throughout an entire text and often utilizes smaller metaphors for reinforcement. In “Crossing the Bar,” the extended metaphor for death begins with images of twilight and the setting sun—both of which represent impending death—in the first two stanzas. As night approaches, the speaker anticipates limitless darkness and a “flood” that “may bear me far”; however, he frames his journey as a homecoming and hopes to meet his “Pilot” after crossing the bar. Though the speaker literally describes preparing to set sail, his language and the mood it creates can also relate to the experience of dying.
"And after that the dark!..."See in text(Text of the Poem)
This line uses assonance, or the repetition of vowels, in the words “And,” “after,” “that,” and “dark.” Assonance contributes to the poem’s varying metrical structure, which seems to mimic the ebb and flow of the ocean.
"When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home...."See in text(Text of the Poem)
These two lines use enjambment, a device in which a phrase, thought, or clause expressed in one line continues into the next line. Enjambment emphasizes the significance of “the boundless deep,” which is important to the poem’s extended metaphor. Death is vast and mysterious, much like the ocean that a seafarer faces.
This line uses sibilance, a device in which words with the letter “s” are repeated so that they create a hissing sound when spoken aloud. This form of repetition stands out because of the hiss; as a result, Tennyson’s striking imagery delivers an even more emotional impact.
"But such a tide as moving seems asleep..."See in text(Text of the Poem)
Tennyson personifies the ocean’s tide by portraying it as a sleeping being. Personification, which involves attributing human characteristics to nonhuman things, creates especially vivid imagery of the sea at sunset. Personifying the sea also develops the poem’s central metaphor of the sea journey representing death and dying.
This line uses alliteration, or the repetition of consonants, in the words “clear call.” Alliteration establishes the poem’s rhythm while also introducing the premise of its extended metaphor: the speaker feels a call to embark on a sea journey, which represents the journey from life to death.
