Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Salem" by Robert Lowell is a vivid and evocative poem that explores the maritime and historical heritage of Salem, Massachusetts. The poem uses rich imagery and allusion to capture the essence of the city's seafaring past and its decline, drawing connections between the natural environment and the legacy of the people who once thrived there.

The poem opens with an image of "seasick spindrift" drifting or skipping to the "canvas flapping on the seaward panes," suggesting a restless and turbulent sea that mirrors the inner turmoil of the sailor. The use of "spindrift" (sea spray blown from cresting waves) sets a scene of harsh weather and choppy waters, reflecting a sense of instability and discomfort. The "knitting sailor" stabbing at ships "Nosing like sheep of Morpheus through his brain's / Asylum" introduces a dream-like state, where the sailor's thoughts and memories become entangled with the images of ships and the sea, suggesting a blurred line between reality and imagination.

The repeated address to the "Seaman, seaman" emphasizes the sailor's central role in the poem and his connection to the sea. The "draft" that "lashes the oily slick about your head" evokes a sense of being caught in a relentless storm, with the sea's movement both literal and metaphorical, representing the uncontrollable forces that shape the sailor's life. The reference to "Charon's raft" alludes to the Greek mythological ferryman who transports souls across the river Styx, symbolizing death and the passage to the afterlife. The "damned goods" being dumped into the "harbor-bed" could represent the burdens and sins of the past being left behind, with the "sewage" sickening "the rebellious seas" highlighting the contamination and degradation of the natural environment.

Lowell reflects on the historical significance of Salem, reminding the reader that "Salem fishermen / Once hung their nimble fleets on the Great Banks." This line evokes a time when Salem was a bustling center of maritime activity, with its fishermen known for their skill and bravery. The "Great Banks" refer to the rich fishing grounds off the coast of Newfoundland, which were once a source of wealth and sustenance for New Englanders.

The poem concludes with a rhetorical question, "Where was it that New England bred the men / Who quartered the Leviathan's fat flanks / And fought the British Lion to his knees?" This question recalls the courage and strength of New Englanders who not only hunted the mighty whale ("Leviathan") but also played a significant role in the American Revolution, challenging the British Empire ("British Lion"). The use of "Leviathan" and "British Lion" as symbols of formidable adversaries emphasizes the prowess and resilience of the region's people.

In "Salem," Robert Lowell masterfully blends historical reflection with vivid seafaring imagery to explore the legacy of a city known for its maritime history. The poem captures the sense of loss and decline as Salem's once-great maritime industry has faded, while also celebrating the bravery and skill of the men who once navigated its waters. Through the figure of the sailor, Lowell connects the personal with the historical, illustrating how the stories of individual lives intertwine with the broader narrative of a community's past.

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