The Wreck off Scilly
The narrative unfolds through the voice of a sailor recounting a tragic maritime disaster. The protagonist, a young sailor, embarks on a voyage to the West Indies, filled with hope and camaraderie among the crew. After a year at sea, they begin their return journey, but as they approach the Scilly Isles, a fierce storm strikes. The crew struggles against the tempest, with the boatswain attempting to navigate the ship through the treacherous waters. Despite their efforts, the ship is ultimately dashed against the rocks, leading to a catastrophic shipwreck. Out of eighty crew members, only one survives to reach the shore, while the rest perish in the tumultuous sea. The news of the disaster spreads quickly to Plymouth, leaving families devastated and mourning the loss of their loved ones. The protagonist, upon returning to Plymouth, discovers that his beloved, whom he had hoped to reunite with, has betrayed him by marrying a landsman. This revelation adds to his sorrow, as he grapples with the loss of both his comrades and his romantic hopes. The sailor's lament serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those at sea and the emotional toll of loss, urging those on land to remember the sacrifices made by sailors. The work encapsulates themes of love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life at sea, highlighting the fragility of human connections amidst the relentless forces of nature.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Ballad, Maritime Literature · 396 words
First lines
H. F. S. [Music]
1. Come all you brisk young sailors bold That plough the raging main, A tragedy I will unfold In story sad and plain. From my true love 'twas pressed was I The gallant ship to steer To Indies west, -- each heart beat high With confidence and cheer.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wreck off Scilly is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Ballad, Maritime Literature, Tragedy, Historical Fiction
- Length: 396 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Wreck off Scilly by Sabine Baring-Gould
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Wreck off Scilly?
- How does this poem by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Ballad Of The Clampherdown by Rudyard Kipling
- The Merchantmen by Rudyard Kipling
- The Ballad Of The Clampherdown by Rudyard Kipling
- In The Roar Of The Sea by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Derelict by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Ballad — The narrative style and tragic story of sailors and shipwreck align with the traditional ballad form.
- Maritime Literature — The plot centers around a shipwreck and the experiences of sailors, fitting the maritime genre.
- Tragedy — The themes of loss, death, and betrayal contribute to a tragic narrative.
Tags
tragedy · sailors · shipwreck · Scilly · ocean · gale · crew · Plymouth · loss · love · adventure · sea