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The Convergence Of The Twain Analysis

Decent Essays

Many individuals experience the deteriorating effect that human selfishness and pride has in the current era. Throughout Thomas Hardy’s accusingly flippant poem, “The Convergence of the Twain,” the speaker manipulates the scene of the sinking Titanic to express vanity with the influence of the title, voice of the speaker and poetic forms. The very title of the poem sets the attitude of the speaker. The “convergence” of the title refers to the merging of the ship into the depths of the sea. The ship itself symbolizes the “vaingloriousness” and vanity of humanity. It represents the negative impatient, selfish, characteristics one drags down into the depths. “Twain” is the purity and simplicity of the sea versus the very nature of humanity according to …show more content…

Even where the earth is “deep from human vanity,” somehow, its deterioration seemed to make an appearance. The speaker just not only relates vanity to the ship, he identifies humanity with their narrow-minded, self-absorbing idea. Not only does they recognize the depth of human’s pride, but also views it as something that has a penetrating, long-lasting effect where it touches, leaving an impression for many generations. Residing in the “solitude of the sea,” the people somehow make an impact, intruding on the virgin, unstained sea. The sea is described as an innocent element, far superior than the race of humanity. Although humans are physically higher on the food chain and far more intelligent than a “sea-worm,” they are downgraded. The lowliest the sea creatures has more understanding than humans. The speaker describes the human’s accessories on the ship as “jewels in joy designed,” implying humans are concerned only with lavish objects that will bring immediate joy, without acknowledging the long-term consequences and effects even the sea worm takes notice of. While ignoring other emotions, the speaker displays only one desire:

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