Interpretation Quiz: 'Break, Break, Break' by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Imagery and Symbolism

• The speaker implores the sea to break on the cold gray stones, symbolizing the turmoil and power of nature.

Emotions and Longing

• The speaker yearns to express the thoughts that arise within them, suggesting a deep emotional response to the scene.
• The speaker envies the carefree innocence of the fisherman's boy and sailor lad, highlighting their own sense of loss and longing.

Nostalgia and Loss

• The speaker mourns the loss of a past love or loved one, referred to as a "vanished hand" and a "voice that is still", evoking a sense of irreparable loss.
• The "touch of a vanished hand" and "sound of a voice that is still" emphasize the speaker's deep sense of longing and grief.

Setting and Atmosphere

• The poem takes place near the sea, with the speaker observing the ships sailing into the haven under the hill, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility.
• The "cold gray stones" and "crags" evoke a sense of ruggedness and wildness, contrasting with the peaceful atmosphere.

Themes

• The poem explores the themes of loss, longing, and nostalgia, highlighting the speaker's sense of isolation and melancholy.
• The contrast between the natural world's tranquility and the speaker's emotional turmoil underscores the complexity of human emotions.