The Deep-Sea Cables
The poem explores the theme of communication and connection through the metaphor of deep-sea cables, which symbolize the links between distant places and people. It begins by depicting the vast, silent depths of the ocean, where remnants of shipwrecks dissolve into the darkness. This setting emphasizes the isolation and mystery of the underwater world, inhabited by creatures like blind sea-snakes. As the poem progresses, it contrasts the stillness of the deep sea with the vibrant exchange of human words and emotions that travel through these cables. The "words of men" represent the thoughts, feelings, and experiences shared across great distances, highlighting the power of communication to transcend physical barriers. The imagery of "warning, sorrow and gain, salutation and mirth" illustrates the diverse nature of human interaction. The poem suggests that this communication has awakened ancient forces, symbolized by the "timeless Things," and has disrupted the natural order, represented by the death of "father Time." The phrase "Let us be one" encapsulates the desire for unity and connection among humanity, facilitated by technology. Ultimately, the work reflects on the profound impact of communication in bridging gaps and fostering a sense of togetherness, even in the depths of the ocean.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Symbolism · 197 words
First lines
The wrecks dissolve above us; their dust drops down from afar -- Down to the dark, to the utter dark, where the blind white sea-snakes are. There is no sound, no echo of sound, in the deserts of the deep, Or the great gray level plains of ooze where the shell-burred cables creep.
Here in the womb of the world -- here on the tie-ribs of earth Words, and the words of men, flicker and flutter and beat -- Warning, sorrow and gain, salutation and mirth -- For a Power troubles the Still that has neither voice nor feet.
What this Textopian page supports
The Deep-Sea Cables is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1896 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Symbolism, Nature Writing, Philosophical
- Length: 197 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery characteristic of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore deep philosophical concepts and human experiences, typical of literary fiction.
- Symbolism — The text uses symbols, such as deep-sea cables and the ocean, to convey deeper meanings about connection and communication.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the underwater environment reflect a focus on nature and its mysteries.
Tags
deep-sea · cables · Rudyard Kipling · poetry · ocean · darkness · wrecks · silence · communication · metaphor · nature · mystery