Significance of the sea

When Beatrice brings MacIan and Turnbull to her father’s cottage on the coast, the sea seems to represent a border at the end of their journey, to the extent that the two men feel the undeniable need to have out their duel right then and there on the beach. However, the sea truly symbolizes a rejuvenation and rebirth of their journey, which is far from over. Not only does it prevent Turnbull from killing MacIan in their duel, but it presents them with a new set of obstacles that they must overcome, thus causing them to forge a stronger friendship.