The Inchcape Rock
The poem is filled with romanticist images and is quite literally understandable. But, if we
consider that a ship was an ancient symbol for civilization, the poem acquires a wholly different
dimension. Also, the contrast between society and nature then becomes very distinct. We are then
presented with the idea of civilization going down the drain just because of some human vices, like
envy. Sir Ralph let his jealousy of the Abbot cloud his clear sightedness. When throwing the bell to
the depths of the sea, he did not perceive that in the future, he might need the services of the
warning device for himself. So it could be said that Southey believed the doom for mankind to lie in
the selfishness and short-sightedness of men.
Southey used very typical romanticist images in this poem. The sea was a very popular
theme at that period, because it is the best proof of nature's supremacy over humans. The scene at
annaabi.ee 
