The Diver :: essays research papers

The underwater diver Robert Curries The piston, on the surface, recounts a divers descent and ascent into a river as onlookers eagerly anticipate his fate. Beneath the surface, this poem is actually precise spiritual. The divers descent into the water, and his arising from the water, can be compared to the crucifixion of Jesus. through and through the masterful use of imagery and Biblical comparisons, Currie depicts the message that rebirth and expect can captivate and revitalize our spirits. An essential key to the theme of The Diver is through the subtle yet prevailing use of Biblical references. From the very beginning of Curries poem, a simile is used when describing the bridge comparable a Roman fort. This helps to set the tone that something important is closely to happen and also provides a Biblical base to the structure of the poem. Lines intravenous feeding to six describe the mans travel up towards the bridge. This journey can be compared to Jesus struggle towards the top of the hill where he was crucified. Perhaps this man was also carrying a load on his shoulders, so to speak. The poem becomes even more Biblical as others bet upon his portion, much like Jesus own fate. As the diver prepares for the inevitable, his lieu has Biblical meaning. At the summit of the span he rose/ his blazonry outstretched/ flung a cross against the sun, are perhaps collar of the most powerful lines in the poem. These lines are followed by much foretaste from the crowd below. The dive symbolizes the end of something, which is also supported when The river circling away/ grew wordless as held breath/ still as death. These lines make is attend as though everything, and everyone, even the river, are holding their breath in anticipation of the outcome of the dive. Then, starting at line twenty-one, the rebirth begins, as, from unbeknownst(predicate) depths/ his head broke the water/ shook out a tiptop of sunlit spray. There is a knockout Biblical presence in the comparisons used in this poem, which help to support the theme of hope and rebirth, age providing powerful imagery. A vital element of Curries The Diver is the strong presence of imagery, which helps to sustain the theme of captivating hope. The image of the solitary lick provokes a strong sense of despair, followed by his painful struggle up the arch. The images give the impression that the events are unfolding in a captivating slow-motion means.