Narratological Analysis of P.B. Shelley’s “A Vision of the Sea”

Abstract

This paper narratologically analyzes one of the most difficult, complex, and ambiguous poems by P.B. Shelley, “A Vision of the Sea.” The poem is painstakingly analyzed through narrative techniques and tools, particularly voice and time, which have probably not been investigated yet. In other words, this paper practically illuminates this niche through transgeneric narrative analysis that is still in its early throes. It reveals a sophisticated mixed mode of narration with a third-person omniscient narrator and embedded character discourse. Temporality creates a dynamic yet coherent rhythm. Its sonic textures subtly counter the depicted chaos, in which the narrator’s psyche remains untroubled by the tumultuous landscape. It deftly weaves strands of trans, self, and re-narration with scientific, religious, and symbolic registers that create a dual perception of it both as a metaphysical allegory and visceral perception. It combines analytical, interpretive, and integrated approaches, with a reader-oriented response. In a word, the narrativity of this poem presents itself as a complex and complete narrative matrix that is skillfully orchestrated rather than being described as a fragmented narration.