The Ccean

The poem’s central metaphor, and thus its central motif, is the ocean. The ocean is both a physical and a metaphysical place. It carries with it all the real dangers of the sea, as well as representing the invisible dangers of a troubled spiritual life.

England is an island, and, as such, seafaring has always been of particular importance to its economic and military success. In 1588, when Donne was an adolescent, a navy led by Elizabeth I shocked the world by turning back an attempted conquest by the enormous Spanish armada. At a time when England was still considered to be an uncivilized country compared to the great continental European capitals, it was its proficiency at sea that began to change its status relative to other European nations.

Donne also lived, and worked, during the era when England grew into a colonial power in...