The Sea at Dauphin

- Derek Walcott

Author’s Introduction

Derek Walcott (1930-2017) was a highly acclaimed poet,

playwright, and essayist, born in Castries, Saint Lucia.
He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992, becoming
the first Caribbean writer to receive this prestigious
honor. Walcott's works often explore themes of post-
colonial identity, the complexities of Caribbean history,
and the intersections of culture and politics.

His notable works include the epic poem "Omeros,"

which draws inspiration from Homer's epics and
explores the Caribbean's cultural and historical
landscape. "The Sea at Dauphin" is another significant
poem reflecting his engagement with Caribbean themes.
Walcott's plays, such as "Dream on Monkey Mountain"
and "Ti-Jean and His Brothers," also contributed to his
reputation as a versatile and influential writer.

Beyond his literary contributions, Walcott was involved

in various cultural and educational endeavors. He
founded the Trinidad Theatre Workshop and served as a
professor at Boston University. Throughout his career,
Walcott received numerous awards and honors for his
impactful contributions to literature and the arts.

COMPARISON :

Certainly, here are some key points of comparison

between Wole Soyinka and Derek Walcott:

Geographical Background:

- Wole Soyinka: Nigerian, from West Africa.

- Derek Walcott: Saint Lucian, from the Caribbean.

Nobel Prize in Literature:

- Wole Soyinka: Awarded the Nobel Prize in

Literature in 1986.
- Derek Walcott: Awarded the Nobel Prize in
Literature in 1992.

Themes in Their Works:

- Wole Soyinka: Explores themes of political tyranny,

oppression, and the consequences of power. Often
addresses African identity and post-colonial
struggles.
- Derek Walcott: Explores the complexities of
Caribbean history, post-colonial identity, and the
interplay between cultural heritage and modern life.
Prominence in Different Genres:

- Wole Soyinka: Known for his significant

contributions to drama, poetry, and essays.
- Derek Walcott: Renowned for his achievements in
poetry and plays.

Cultural and Political Engagement:

- Both writers engage with the cultural and political

landscapes of their respective regions, addressing
the legacies of colonialism and the complexities of
post-colonial identity.

Impact on Literature:

- Wole Soyinka and Derek Walcott are celebrated for

their contributions to post-colonial literature,
bringing attention to the diverse voices and
experiences of Africa and the Caribbean.

While both writers share common themes related to post-

colonial identity, their unique cultural backgrounds and
regional perspectives contribute to the richness and
diversity of their literary contributions.
SUMMARY

Dereck Walcott’s play entitled The Sea of Dauphin

focuses on the lives of a few fishermen who finds
accepting the death of their fallen friends to be very
difficult. In this play many individuals are found dead on
beaches due to being drowned in the sea. This tragedy
causes the fishermen and other residents to become
fearful of the sea, for they believe that at any moment
they too would be killed. As a result of their fear the
fishermen try their best to tread lightly by only carrying
those who had years of experience and departing land at
a particular time.

In the play the characters’ actions are executed based on

the physical state of the sea. Thus, the sea is a symbolic
representation of freedom, oppression and detachment of
religion. For the sea allows the characters to express their
thoughts, issues and fears. The sea likewise acts as
though it is a counselor, for the men can go out to sea and
voce their thoughts without feeling uncomfortable. On
the other hand, the sea is a protagonist within the play,
because the characters utilize it to escape from the social
world. For, many of the individuals discussed within the
play are told to have committed suicide, as they could no
longer cope with the difficulties within their society. An
excellent example of this aspect would be Hounakin who
decided to kill him, because he saw no purpose in living
after his wife died. In line 360 of the play Hounakin
states, “Houna will not kill himself. This sea has many
navels, many waves, and I did feel to die in Dauphin sea
so I could born.” In this statement Hounakin reveals that
by allowing himself to drown he would no longer be
force to face the difficulties of this life, because there is
a new life beyond death that is free from misery. In this
aspect, the sea acts like a door or pathway that transitions
the characters from one life to another.

The sea in this play also is a symbolic representation of

oppression. In lines 434-439 states “Dauphin people
build the church and pray and feed you, not their own
people, and look at Dauphin! Gadez luil! Look at it! You
see? Poverty, dirty women, dirty children, where all the
prayers? Where all the friends all the money a man
should have and friends when his skin old? Dirt and
prayers is Dauphin life, in Dauphin, in Canaries, Micoud.
Where they have priest is poverty.” In the play Dauphin
experiences poverty and the sea reflects the economic
situation by being rough and violent. In this state the sea
depicts the struggles these individuals encounter and
hardships they are forced to endure because of the
poverty. On the other hand, the sea also represents a
detachment from religion. For in the previous quote the
character blames the church for the poverty that the
people are currently enduring, as it seems that all their
praying and hard work resulted in nothing occurring.
However, the character’s blame God, for in the play they
state that the ocean is God’s spit. This suggests that the
characters feel that God has abandoned them in their time
of need and has now resulted in taking away the men.
Thus, there is a sense of hatred for God and religion
within the play.

In conclusion, the sea in the play represents the multiple

hardships the characters face in terms of poverty,
loneliness, death and religion as well as their dislike for
anything that involves God.
ANALYSIS

"Derek Walcott's poem 'The Sea at Dauphin' is a poignant

exploration of themes such as identity, history, and the
complex relationship between the Caribbean people and
their environment. The poem is set in Dauphin, a small
coastal village in the Caribbean, and it captures the
beauty and power of the sea while also delving into the
deeper layers of colonial history and cultural memory.

One incident that stands out in the poem is the

description of the sea itself. Walcott's imagery is vivid
and evocative, painting a picture of the sea's vastness and
its ever-changing nature. He describes the sea as both a
source of sustenance and a force to be reckoned with,
reflecting the dual role it plays in the lives of the people
of Dauphin.

Another incident in the poem is the mention of historical

figures and events, such as the arrival of Columbus and
the legacy of slavery. Walcott draws on these historical
references to highlight the enduring impact of
colonialism on Caribbean identity and culture. He
suggests that despite the passage of time, the scars of the
past continue to shape the present, echoing the sentiment
expressed by the sea itself, which "cannot forget."

Throughout the poem, there is a sense of nostalgia and

longing for a lost past, as well as a recognition of the
resilience and strength of the Caribbean people. Despite
the hardships they have endured, they remain connected
to their land and their heritage, finding solace and
inspiration in the sea that surrounds them.

In conclusion, "The Sea at Dauphin" is a powerful

meditation on the complex interplay between nature,
history, and identity in the Caribbean. Through vivid
imagery and subtle symbolism, Derek Walcott invites
readers to contemplate the profound impact of
colonialism on the region and to celebrate the enduring
spirit of its people."

COMPARISON :

Both "The Sea at Dauphin" by Derek Walcott and "The

Swamp Dwellers" by Wole Soyinka explore themes
related to nature, culture, and human existence, but they
do so in different contexts and with different narrative
approaches.

Setting and Environment:

- "The Sea at Dauphin" is set in the Caribbean,

specifically in Dauphin, a coastal area. The sea
serves as a central motif throughout the poem,
representing both the beauty and the brutality of
nature.
- "The Swamp Dwellers" is set in Africa, in a swampy
region. The swamp symbolizes the harshness of the
environment and the struggle for survival for the
characters who inhabit it.

Cultural Context:

- Walcott's poem often delves into the complexities of

Caribbean identity, colonial history, and the
relationship between the land and its people. There's
a sense of nostalgia and longing for a lost connection
with nature and heritage.
- Soyinka's play deals with post-colonial African
society and the clash between tradition and
modernity. It explores themes of cultural
displacement, corruption, and the erosion of
traditional values in the face of progress.

Characters:

- "The Sea at Dauphin" focuses on the narrator's

personal reflection and introspection as they observe
the sea and its surroundings. The narrator's voice is
contemplative and introspective, conveying a deep
emotional connection to the landscape.
- "The Swamp Dwellers" features a range of
characters representing different facets of society,
from rural villagers to urban elites. The characters'
interactions drive the narrative forward, highlighting
the tensions and conflicts inherent in their social and
cultural contexts.

Language and Style:

- Walcott's poetic language in "The Sea at Dauphin"

is rich in imagery and metaphor, evoking the sensory
experience of the natural world. His use of
symbolism and vivid descriptions creates a lyrical
and immersive atmosphere.
- Soyinka's writing in "The Swamp Dwellers" is
characterized by its use of dialogue and dramatic
action. The play unfolds through a series of
conversations and confrontations, capturing the
dynamic interplay between characters and their
environment.

In summary, while both "The Sea at Dauphin" by Derek

Walcott and "The Swamp Dwellers" by Wole Soyinka
explore similar themes related to nature and human
existence, they do so within distinct cultural and
geographical contexts, employing different narrative
techniques and styles to convey their respective
messages.
THEMES

While both "The Sea at Dauphin" by Derek Walcott and

"The Swamp Dwellers" by Wole Soyinka explore themes
related to nature and the environment, they approach
these themes from different perspectives and contexts.
Here's a comparison of themes between the two works:

1. Nature and Environment:

- In "The Sea at Dauphin," Walcott portrays the sea as

a powerful force of nature that symbolizes both
beauty and danger. The sea represents the Caribbean
identity and cultural heritage, and it serves as a
source of nostalgia and spiritual renewal for the
speaker.
- In "The Swamp Dwellers," Soyinka depicts the
swamp as a harsh and oppressive environment that
traps its inhabitants in poverty and despair. The
swamp symbolizes the socio-political landscape of
Nigeria, where corruption and exploitation prevent
meaningful progress and development.

2. Identity and Cultural Heritage:

- Walcott celebrates the unique cultural heritage of the

Caribbean through his depiction of the sea in "The
Sea at Dauphin." The poem reflects on the
complexities of Caribbean identity and the legacy of
colonialism.
- In "The Swamp Dwellers," Soyinka explores themes
of identity and cultural conflict within the context of
Nigerian society. The characters in the play grapple
with questions of tradition versus modernity and the
impact of cultural change on their way of life.

3. Colonialism and Post-Colonialism:

- While Walcott may allude to the legacy of

colonialism in "The Sea at Dauphin," his focus is
more on the beauty and resilience of Caribbean
culture in the face of adversity.
- Soyinka's "The Swamp Dwellers" directly addresses
the socio-political consequences of colonialism in
Nigeria, particularly the exploitation of natural
resources and the displacement of indigenous
communities.

4. Spirituality and Transcendence:

- Walcott infuses "The Sea at Dauphin" with themes

of spirituality and transcendence, as the sea serves
as a symbol of renewal and transformation for the
speaker.
- While spirituality is not a central theme in "The
Swamp Dwellers," Soyinka does explore themes of
ritual and superstition, particularly in the context of
indigenous beliefs and cultural practices.
Overall, while both works share thematic elements
related to nature and the environment, they diverge in
their focus and context, reflecting the distinct cultural
and historical backgrounds of their respective authors
and settings.
Question - Answers
1. What is the setting of "The Sea at Dauphin"?
A) A city
B) A rural village
C) A seaside town
D) A mountainous region

2. Who is the protagonist of the poem?

A) The sea
B) A fisherman
C) A tourist
D) A sailor

3. What is the central theme of the poem?

A) Love and longing
B) Nature's power and beauty
C) Urban decay
D) Historical nostalgia

4. What does the sea symbolize in the poem?

A) Tranquility
B) Danger
C) Freedom
D) Loneliness

5. How does the poet describe the waves?

A) Gentle and soothing
B) Violent and destructive
C) Harmonious and rhythmic
D) Chaotic and unpredictable

6. What emotion does the sea evoke in the fisherman?

A) Fear
B) Excitement
C) Serenity
D) Awe

7. What is the mood of the poem?

A) Joyful
B) Melancholic
C) Romantic
D) Mysterious

8. What literary device is frequently used in the poem?

A) Simile
B) Metaphor
C) Hyperbole
D) Alliteration

9. How does the sea change throughout the poem?

A) It remains constant
B) It becomes more turbulent
C) It becomes calmer
D) It recedes

10. What is the significance of Dauphin in the poem's

title?
A) It is the name of the fisherman
B) It is the name of a ship
C) It is the name of a beach
D) It is the name of a town

1. C) A seaside town 2. B) A fisherman

3. B) Nature's power and beauty. 4. C) Freedom
5. C) Harmonious and rhythmic 6. D) Awe
7. B) Melancholic 8. B) Metaphor
9. C) It becomes calmer
10. D) It is the name of a town

[2 Marks Questions]

1. How does Derek Walcott depict the relationship

between the fisherman and the sea in "The Sea at
Dauphin"?

2. Discuss the significance of the sea as a symbol of

freedom in the poem.

3. Analyze the role of nature in shaping the mood and

atmosphere of "The Sea at Dauphin".

4. Explore the use of metaphors in Derek Walcott's

portrayal of the sea in the poem.

5. How does the setting of Dauphin contribute to the

overall theme and tone of the poem?
[5 Marks Questions]

1. Discuss the significance of the sea as a central motif

in Derek Walcott's "The Sea at Dauphin." How does the
poet use imagery and symbolism to convey its
importance in the narrative?

2. Analyze the relationship between the fisherman and

the sea in the poem. How does their connection reflect
broader themes explored by the poet?

3. Explore the role of nostalgia in "The Sea at Dauphin."

How does Walcott evoke a sense of longing and
reminiscence through his portrayal of the sea and its
surroundings?

4. Discuss the mood and atmosphere created by Walcott

in "The Sea at Dauphin." How does the poet's choice of
language and imagery contribute to the overall tone of
the poem?

5. Examine the use of metaphor and symbolism in Derek

Walcott's depiction of the sea in "The Sea at Dauphin."
How do these literary devices enhance the reader's
understanding of the poem's themes and underlying
messages?
[10 Marks Questions]

1. Describe the mood created by the sea in "The Sea at

Dauphin" and how it contributes to the overall
atmosphere of the poem.

2. Analyze the role of the sea in symbolizing freedom

and liberation in the poem. Provide specific examples
from the text to support your answer.

3. Explore the poet's use of imagery in depicting the sea

and its impact on the reader's perception of nature's
beauty and power in "The Sea at Dauphin."

4. Discuss the significance of the fisherman's

relationship with the sea in the poem. How does it
reflect larger themes of human connection to nature and
the passage of time?

5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the poet's use of

metaphor and symbolism in conveying deeper meanings
about life, mortality, and the eternal cycle of nature in
"The Sea at Dauphin." Provide examples to support
your analysis.