Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling's poem "The Deep-Sea Cables" explores the profound impact of human technological advancements on communication and the natural world. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Kipling delves into the mysterious depths of the ocean and the transformative power of the underwater cables that revolutionized global communication in his time. The poem contrasts the silent, timeless world of the deep sea with the dynamic, interconnected human world above, highlighting themes of connection, progress, and the intrusion of technology into the natural order.
Imagery and Setting
Kipling opens the poem with a striking image of "wrecks" dissolving and their "dust" dropping down to the "utter dark" of the ocean depths. This imagery evokes a sense of decay and the passage of time, suggesting that remnants of human endeavors eventually settle into the silent, dark abyss. The mention of "blind white sea-snakes" inhabiting this darkness adds to the eerie and ancient quality of the underwater world.
The description of the "great gray level plains of ooze" where "shell-burred cables creep" paints a picture of a desolate, otherworldly landscape. The cables, covered in shells, seem almost organic, blending into their surroundings and emphasizing the intrusion of man-made objects into this primordial environment. The term "creep" suggests a slow, almost stealthy movement, reinforcing the idea that these cables have quietly but fundamentally altered the nature of the deep sea.
Themes of Communication and Connection
At the heart of the poem is the theme of communication. The deep-sea cables are described as lying "here in the womb of the world," a phrase that conjures notions of creation and the birth of a new era of connectivity. The "tie-ribs of earth" metaphorically support this new form of communication, much like the physical ribs support the body. Kipling portrays the cables as lifelines that carry "words, and the words of men," conveying "warning, sorrow and gain, salutation and mirth." These words "flicker and flutter and beat," suggesting a lively, almost heartbeat-like activity, underscoring the vibrancy and importance of human communication.
The poem suggests that the power of these cables "troubles the Still" of the ocean depths, an environment that has "neither voice nor feet." This juxtaposition highlights the disruptive impact of human technology on the natural world. The cables have "wakened the timeless Things" and "killed their father time," implying that the timeless, ancient quality of the deep sea has been irrevocably changed by the advent of this new technology.
Symbolism and Human Progress
Kipling uses the deep-sea cables as a symbol of human progress and the drive to connect across vast distances. The cables join "hands in the gloom, a league from the last of the sun," symbolizing the unity and collective effort involved in creating this global network. The darkness of the deep sea contrasts with the idea of connection and unity, suggesting that even in the most remote and inhospitable places, human ingenuity can forge links and bring light.
The final stanza introduces a new "Word" that runs between these cables, whispering "Let us be one!" This line encapsulates the poem's central message of unity and the transformative power of communication. The "new Word" represents the idea of global unity and the breaking down of barriers through technological advancements. It is a hopeful and forward-looking conclusion that celebrates the potential of human innovation to foster connection and understanding.
"The Deep-Sea Cables" by Rudyard Kipling is a powerful meditation on the impact of technological progress on the natural world and human society. Through evocative imagery and rich symbolism, Kipling contrasts the silent, timeless depths of the ocean with the dynamic, interconnected world created by deep-sea cables. The poem explores themes of communication, progress, and the profound changes wrought by human ingenuity, ultimately offering a hopeful vision of global unity and connection. Kipling's masterful use of language invites readers to reflect on the transformative power of technology and the enduring human desire to connect across the vast distances of the earth.