The poem “Inchcape Rock” written by Robert Southey is explained and analysed with deeper interpretations in English and Hindi. These explanations would bring a correct and proper understanding of the poem ‘Inchcape Rock’.
Explanation and analysis of “The Inchcape Rock”
The poem is explained here line by line with literal and deeper meanings in English and Hindi. The stanzas are also followed by vocabulary notes.
Stanza 1
No stir in the air, no stir in the sea,
The Ship was still as she could be;
Her sails from heaven received no motion,
Her keel was steady in the ocean.
Vocabulary Notes: Stir – Movement or activity in air or water (कोई हलचल या गति)। Keel – The bottom part of a ship that keeps it balanced (जहाज का निचला आधार भाग)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “No stir in the air, no stir in the sea”: There is no movement in the air or the sea. Everything is completely still and calm.
- “The Ship was still as she could be”: The ship is not moving at all. It is as motionless as possible.
- “Her sails from heaven received no motion”: The sails (large pieces of cloth that catch the wind to move the ship) are not filled with air.”Heaven” here refers to the sky, meaning there is no wind blowing from above.
- “Her keel was steady in the ocean”: The keel (the bottom part of the ship that helps it balance) remains firm. Since there are no waves or wind, the ship stays in one place without tilting or rocking.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “No stir in the air, no stir in the sea” – हवा और समुद्र में कोई हलचल नहीं थी। सब कुछ शांत था।
- “The Ship was still as she could be” – जहाज बिलकुल स्थिर था, वह ज़रा भी नहीं हिल रहा था।
- “Her sails from heaven received no motion” – उसकी पालों को आसमान से कोई हवा नहीं मिल रही थी, इसलिए वह नहीं चल रहा था।
- “Her keel was steady in the ocean” – जहाज का निचला भाग (कील) समुद्र में पूरी तरह स्थिर था।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- The poet describes a moment of complete peace and stillness.
- This calmness may give a false sense of security before something bad happens.
- It builds suspense, making readers curious about what will happen next.
Literary Devices:
- Repetition: “No stir in the air, no stir in the sea” (repeating “no stir” emphasizes complete stillness).
- Personification: “Her sails from heaven received no motion” (the ship is referred to as “she,” giving it human-like qualities).
- Alliteration: Examples – stir..stir; (1) ship..still (3) (repetition of ‘s’ sound)
- Imagery: The poet paints a vivid picture of a still sea and motionless ship, making it easy to visualize.
Stanza 2
Without either sign or sound of their shock,
The waves flow’d over the Inchcape Rock;
So little they rose, so little they fell,
They did not move the Inchcape Bell.
Vocabulary Notes: Inchcape Rock – A dangerous rock in the sea near Scotland (स्कॉटलैंड के पास समुद्र में एक खतरनाक चट्टान)। Inchcape Bell – A warning bell placed on Inchcape Rock to prevent shipwrecks (जहाजों को दुर्घटना से बचाने के लिए इंचकेप चट्टान पर लगाई गई चेतावनी घंटी)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “Without either sign or sound of their shock”: The waves touch the rock without making any noise or showing any strong impact. The movement of water is very gentle.
- “The waves flow’d over the Inchcape Rock”: The waves move smoothly over the Inchcape Rock. The rock is just below the surface, covered by water.
- “So little they rose, so little they fell”: The waves rise and fall only slightly. The sea remains calm, with no strong tides.
- “They did not move the Inchcape Bell”: The waves are so gentle that they do not make the warning bell ring. The bell, placed to warn sailors of danger, stays silent.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “Without either sign or sound of their shock” – लहरें चट्टान से टकराईं लेकिन बिना किसी आवाज़ या झटके के।
- “The waves flow’d over the Inchcape Rock” – पानी धीरे-धीरे इंचकेप चट्टान के ऊपर से बह रहा था।
- “So little they rose, so little they fell” – लहरें बहुत हल्की उठ रही थीं और गिर रही थीं।
- “They did not move the Inchcape Bell” – लहरें इतनी धीमी थीं कि उन्होंने चेतावनी देने वाली घंटी को नहीं हिलाया।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- The poet continues describing the calm sea, creating a false sense of safety.
- The stillness of the bell means that no warning is given, which hints at future danger.
- It also suggests that nature can sometimes appear harmless before turning dangerous.
Literary Devices:
- Personification: “Without either sign or sound of their shock” (waves are described as if they could “shock” the rock, like humans).
- Imagery: The poet helps us visualize the gentle waves and the hidden rock beneath them.
- Repetition: “So little they rose, so little they fell” (repeating “so little” emphasizes how small and calm the waves are).
- Alliteration: Examples – sign or sound of their shock (1) (‘s’ sound)
Stanza 3
The worthy Abbot of Aberbrothok
Had placed that bell on the Inchcape Rock;
On a buoy in the storm it floated and swung,
And over the waves its warning rung.
Vocabulary Notes: Abbot – The head of a monastery or a religious leader (किसी मठ का प्रधान या धार्मिक नेता)। Abbot of Aberbrothok – A kind and wise monk who placed the Inchcape Bell to warn sailors (एक दयालु और बुद्धिमान मठाधीश जिसने नाविकों को चेतावनी देने के लिए इंचकेप बेल लगवाई)। Buoy – A floating object in the sea used as a marker or warning (समुद्र में तैरता संकेत या चेतावनी चिन्ह)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “The worthy Abbot of Aberbrothok”: “Worthy” means respected or honorable. The Abbot (a head of a monastery) from Aberbrothok (a place in Scotland) is introduced. He is a good and wise man.
- “Had placed that bell on the Inchcape Rock”: The Abbot arranged for a warning bell to be placed on Inchcape Rock. The bell was meant to help sailors avoid crashing into the hidden rock.
- “On a buoy in the storm it floated and swung”:The bell was attached to a buoy (a floating marker on water). During storms, the buoy would move up and down, making the bell ring.
- “And over the waves its warning rung”: The sound of the bell would travel across the sea. Sailors could hear it and stay away from the dangerous rock.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “The worthy Abbot of Aberbrothok” – सम्मानित एबट (धर्मगुरु) एबरब्रॉथॉक से थे।
- “Had placed that bell on the Inchcape Rock” – उन्होंने इंचकेप चट्टान पर एक घंटी लगवाई थी।
- “On a buoy in the storm it floated and swung” – यह घंटी एक तैरते हुए बॉय (चिह्न) पर लगी थी, जो तूफान में हिलती-डुलती थी।
- “And over the waves its warning rung” – जब लहरें उठती थीं, तो घंटी बजती थी और नाविकों को खतरे से सावधान करती थी।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- The Abbot is portrayed as a kind and thoughtful person who wants to save lives.
- The bell is a symbol of protection and guidance for sailors.
- This stanza highlights the importance of doing good for others.
Literary Devices:
- Alliteration: “Abbot of Aberbrothok” (1); “waves its warning” (4)
- Personification: “its warning rung” (the bell is described as if it actively warns people).
- Imagery: The poet helps us picture the bell swinging and ringing over the waves.
Stanza 4
When the Rock was hid by the surge’s swell,
The Mariners heard the warning Bell;
And then they knew the perilous Rock,
And blest the Abbot of Aberbrothok
Vocabulary Notes: Surge’s swell – A strong rise of sea waves (समुद्री लहरों का तेज़ उछाल)।Mariners – Sailors or seafarers (नाविक या समुद्री यात्री)। Perilous Rock – A dangerous rock that can cause shipwrecks (खतरनाक चट्टान जो जहाजों को डुबो सकती है)। Blest – Praised or thanked (धन्य माना या आभार प्रकट किया)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “When the Rock was hid by the surge’s swell”: “Hid” means hidden or covered. “Surge” means strong waves, and “swell” means the rising of water. The Inchcape Rock gets covered by the high waves, making it invisible to sailors.
- “The Mariners heard the warning Bell”: “Mariners” means sailors or seafarers. Even though they cannot see the rock, they hear the bell ringing.
- “And then they knew the perilous Rock”: “Perilous” means dangerous. When sailors hear the bell, they realize they are near the dangerous Inchcape Rock. They change their direction to avoid hitting it.
- “And blest the Abbot of Aberbrothok”: “Blest” means blessed or thanked. The sailors are grateful to the Abbot for placing the bell. The bell helps save their lives, so they appreciate his kindness.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “When the Rock was hid by the surge’s swell” – जब ऊँची लहरों ने चट्टान को ढक लिया था।
- “The Mariners heard the warning Bell” – नाविकों ने चेतावनी देने वाली घंटी की आवाज़ सुनी।
- “And then they knew the perilous Rock” – उन्हें पता चला कि खतरनाक इंचकेप चट्टान पास है।
- “And blest the Abbot of Aberbrothok” – उन्होंने एबट (धर्मगुरु) को धन्यवाद दिया, क्योंकि उनकी वजह से उनकी जान बची।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- This stanza shows how a small act of kindness (placing the bell) can save many lives.
- The sailors, who might have died without the bell, feel thankful for the Abbot’s good deed.
- It highlights the theme of good actions being remembered and appreciated.
Literary Devices:
- Alliteration: “surge’s swell” (1)
- Imagery: Describes the rock being hidden by waves and the bell ringing, helping readers visualize the scene.
- Personification: “The Rock was hid by the surge’s swell” (waves are described as if they intentionally hide the rock).
Stanza 5
The Sun in the heaven was shining gay,
All things were joyful on that day;
The sea-birds scream’d as they wheel’d round,
And there was joyaunce in their sound.
Vocabulary Notes: Shining gay – Bright and cheerful (चमकदार और खुशहाल)। Joyaunce – Happiness or delight (खुशी या आनंद)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “The Sun in the heaven was shining gay”: “Gay” here means bright and cheerful. The sun is shining happily in the sky. The weather is clear and pleasant.
- “All things were joyful on that day”: Everything in nature seems happy. The atmosphere is full of positivity.
- “The sea-birds scream’d as they wheel’d round”: “Scream’d” means making loud cries or sounds. “Wheel’d round” means flying in circles. The sea birds are flying around and making noises.
- “And there was joyaunce in their sound”: “Joyaunce” means joy or happiness. The birds’ cries sound cheerful and full of life.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “The Sun in the heaven was shining gay” – सूरज आकाश में चमक रहा था और सब कुछ खुशनुमा लग रहा था।
- “All things were joyful on that day” – उस दिन हर चीज़ प्रसन्न दिख रही थी।
- “The sea-birds scream’d as they wheel’d round” – समुद्री पक्षी ज़ोर से चिल्ला रहे थे और आकाश में गोल-गोल उड़ रहे थे।
- “And there was joyaunce in their sound” – उनकी आवाज़ में भी खुशी महसूस हो रही थी।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- This stanza creates a peaceful and happy atmosphere.
- It contrasts with the danger of the Inchcape Rock, which will later bring disaster.
- Nature seems joyful, but soon the mood will change.
- This happiness could be misleading, as trouble is coming.
Literary Devices:
- Personification: “The Sun in the heaven was shining gay” (the sun is described as happy like a human).
- Imagery: The poet paints a picture of a bright sky, cheerful birds, and joyful nature.
- Alliteration: “sea-birds scream’d” (3) (repetition of ‘s’ sound).
Stanza 6
The buoy of the Inchcpe Bell was seen
A darker speck on the ocean green;
Sir Ralph the Rover walk’d his deck,
And fix’d his eye on the darker speck.
Vocabulary Notes: Speck – A small spot or tiny mark (एक छोटा धब्बा या निशान)। Sir Ralph the Rover – A wicked pirate who cuts off the Inchcape Bell for his own amusement (एक दुष्ट समुद्री लुटेरा जिसने इंचकेप बेल को मज़े के लिए काट दिया)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “The buoy of the Inchcape Bell was seen”: The buoy (a floating object in water) that holds the Inchcape Bell is visible. It is floating on the surface of the ocean.
- “A darker speck on the ocean green”: “Speck” means a small spot. The buoy appears as a tiny dark dot against the vast green ocean. This shows that it is far away but still noticeable.
- “Sir Ralph the Rover walk’d his deck”: “Rover” means a pirate or a wandering sailor. Sir Ralph, the pirate, is walking on the deck (floor) of his ship. He seems to be thinking or planning something.
- “And fix’d his eye on the darker speck”: “Fix’d his eye” means he stared at it with concentration. He is looking at the buoy with a strong focus. This suggests that he has some intention regarding it.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “The buoy of the Inchcape Bell was seen” – इंचकेप घंटी का बॉय (तैरता चिह्न) दिखाई दे रहा था।
- “A darker speck on the ocean green” – हरे समुद्र के बीच यह एक छोटा सा काला धब्बा जैसा दिख रहा था।
- “Sir Ralph the Rover walk’d his deck” – समुद्री डाकू सर राल्फ अपने जहाज के डेक पर टहल रहा था।
- “And fix’d his eye on the darker speck” – उसने उस काले धब्बे (बॉय) पर अपनी नजरें जमा दीं।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- The poet introduces Sir Ralph, the villain of the poem.
- His gaze on the buoy hints at his wicked plan.
- The buoy, which helps sailors, is now in danger because of Sir Ralph.
- The contrast between the calm sea and Sir Ralph’s presence suggests an upcoming conflict.
Literary Devices:
- Imagery: “A darker speck on the ocean green” (creates a visual picture of the buoy in the vast sea).
- Foreshadowing: Sir Ralph’s intense focus on the buoy hints that he is about to do something bad.
Stanza 7
He felt the cheering power of spring,
It made him whistle, it made him sing;
His heart was mirthful to excess,
But the Rover’s mirth was wickedness.
Vocabulary Notes: Mirthful – Full of joy and laughter (खुशहाल और हँसमुख)। Rover’s mirth was wickedness – Sir Ralph’s happiness came from doing evil deeds (राल्फ की खुशी बुरे कामों से मिलती थी)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “He felt the cheering power of spring,”: “Cheering power” means something that brings happiness and energy. The arrival of spring makes Sir Ralph feel joyful and excited. Spring is often linked with new beginnings and happiness.
- “It made him whistle, it made him sing;”: The joyful atmosphere makes Sir Ralph whistle and sing. He is in a happy and carefree mood.
- “His heart was mirthful to excess,”: “Mirthful” means full of happiness. “Excess” means too much. Sir Ralph is extremely happy, almost in an uncontrolled way.
- “But the Rover’s mirth was wickedness.”: “Rover” means a pirate or a wandering sailor. “Mirth” means joy, but here, his happiness is not pure—it is wicked. His joy comes from evil intentions, not from goodness.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “He felt the cheering power of spring,” – वसंत ऋतु की ताजगी ने उसे खुशी से भर दिया।
- “It made him whistle, it made him sing;” – इससे वह सीटी बजाने और गाने लगा।
- “His heart was mirthful to excess,” – उसका दिल बहुत ज्यादा खुश था।
- “But the Rover’s mirth was wickedness.” – लेकिन उसकी खुशी बुरी थी, क्योंकि वह कुछ गलत करने वाला था।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- Spring symbolizes happiness, but Sir Ralph’s happiness is not innocent.
- He is excited, but not because of nature—he is planning something bad.
- The poet shows a contrast: nature is beautiful, but Sir Ralph’s joy is linked to wickedness.
- His excitement hints that he is about to do something harmful.
Literary Devices:
- Personification: “Cheering power of spring” (spring is given human-like qualities, as if it can cheer people).
- Repetition: “It made him whistle, it made him sing” (repeating “it made him” emphasizes his excitement).
- Contrast: His joy is described as “mirthful,” but it is actually evil.
Stanza 8
His eye was on the Inchcape Float;
Quoth he, “My men, put out the boat,
And row me to the Inchcape Rock,
And I’ll plague the Abbot of Aberbrothok.”
Vocabulary Notes: Inchcape Float – The floating buoy holding the Inchcape Bell (इंचकेप घंटी को पकड़ने वाला तैरता हुआ संकेत)। Quoth – Said (कहा)। Plague – To trouble or cause harm (परेशान करना या नुकसान पहुँचाना)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “His eye was on the Inchcape Float;”: “Float” refers to the buoy (a floating object) that holds the Inchcape Bell. Sir Ralph is staring at it with focus. This shows he has a plan related to it.
- “Quoth he, ‘My men, put out the boat,'”: “Quoth” is an old-fashioned way of saying “said.” Sir Ralph orders his men to lower a boat into the water.
- “And row me to the Inchcape Rock,”: “Row me” means to take him in a boat by rowing. He wants to go to the Inchcape Rock where the buoy is.
- “And I’ll plague the Abbot of Aberbrothok.”: “Plague” means to trouble or harm someone. Sir Ralph wants to do something bad to the Abbot, who had placed the warning bell on the rock. This suggests he is planning to destroy the bell.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “His eye was on the Inchcape Float;” – उसकी नजर इंचकेप घंटी के बॉय पर थी।
- “Quoth he, ‘My men, put out the boat,'” – उसने कहा, “मेरे साथियों, नाव निकालो।”
- “And row me to the Inchcape Rock,” – “मुझे इंचकेप चट्टान तक ले चलो।”
- “And I’ll plague the Abbot of Aberbrothok.” – “मैं अब्बोट को परेशान करूंगा।”
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- This stanza shows Sir Ralph’s evil plan.
- The Abbot had placed the bell to save sailors, but Sir Ralph wants to remove it.
- His reason is not just mischief—he wants to cause harm and suffering.
- This highlights his wicked nature and his complete disregard for others’ safety.
Literary Devices:
- Foreshadowing: His words hint at the trouble that will come later.
- Irony: The bell is meant to save lives, but Sir Ralph wants to remove it for fun.
Stanza 9
The boat is lower’d, the boatmen row,
And to the Inchcape Rock they go;
Sir Ralph bent over from the boat,
And he cut the bell from the Inchcape Float.
Explanation of Lines:
- “The boat is lower’d, the boatmen row,”: The sailors lower a smaller boat from the ship into the sea. They start rowing toward the Inchcape Rock.
- “And to the Inchcape Rock they go;”: They reach the dangerous rock where the warning bell is placed. Sir Ralph’s plan is moving forward.
- “Sir Ralph bent over from the boat,”: He leans forward from the boat, reaching toward the buoy. This shows his eagerness and determination.
- “And he cut the bell from the Inchcape Float.”: He takes a knife or tool and cuts the bell from the buoy. The bell, which warns sailors about the dangerous rock, is now gone. This act is selfish and cruel.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “The boat is lower’d, the boatmen row,” – नाव को नीचे उतारा गया, और नाविक उसे चलाने लगे।
- “And to the Inchcape Rock they go;” – वे इंचकेप चट्टान की ओर बढ़े।
- “Sir Ralph bent over from the boat,” – सर राल्फ नाव से झुककर नीचे देखने लगा।
- “And he cut the bell from the Inchcape Float.” – और उसने इंचकेप घंटी को काट दिया।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- Sir Ralph removes the bell to cause trouble for others.
- His act shows his wickedness—he enjoys harming innocent people.
- This moment is crucial because it sets up his downfall later in the poem.
- The absence of the bell will lead to disaster, showing the idea of karma—bad deeds lead to bad consequences.
Literary Devices:
- Alliteration: “Boat is lower’d, boatmen row” (1); bent over from the boat (3)
- Foreshadowing: Removing the bell hints at future danger.
- Symbolism: The bell represents safety and guidance. Cutting it off symbolizes destruction and chaos.
Stanza 10
Down sank the Bell with a gurgling sound,
The bubbles rose and burst around;
Quoth Sir Ralph, “The next who comes to the Rock,
Won’t bless the Abbot of Aberbrothok.”
Explanation of Lines:
- “Down sank the Bell with a gurgling sound,”: The bell sinks into the sea, making a “gurgling” noise as water fills it. “Gurgling” refers to a bubbling, drowning sound made by sinking objects.
- “The bubbles rose and burst around;”: As the bell sinks, air trapped inside escapes, forming bubbles. These bubbles rise to the surface and pop.
- “Quoth Sir Ralph, ‘The next who comes to the Rock,'”: “Quoth” means “said.” Sir Ralph speaks after cutting the bell. He refers to future sailors who will come near the rock.
- “‘Won’t bless the Abbot of Aberbrothok.'”: He mocks the Abbot, saying sailors will no longer be grateful to him. Without the bell, they won’t get a warning and may crash into the rock. Sir Ralph finds this amusing, showing his cruelty.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “Down sank the Bell with a gurgling sound,” – घंटी पानी में डूब गई और गड़गड़ाने की आवाज़ आई।
- “The bubbles rose and burst around;” – पानी में बुलबुले उठे और फूट गए।
- “Quoth Sir Ralph, ‘The next who comes to the Rock,'” – सर राल्फ ने कहा, “जो अगली बार इस चट्टान के पास आएगा,”
- “‘Won’t bless the Abbot of Aberbrothok.'” – “वह अब्बोट को धन्यवाद नहीं देगा।”
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- Sir Ralph enjoys causing harm to others, proving his wicked nature.
- His words are ironic—he thinks people won’t thank the Abbot, but in reality, they will suffer because of Sir Ralph’s actions.
- This foreshadows (hints at) his own fate—he will suffer later as a result of this wrongdoing.
Literary Devices:
- Onomatopoeia: “Gurgling sound” (word mimics the actual sound of bubbling water).
- Alliteration: “bubbles rose and burst around” (2)
- Foreshadowing: His action will lead to future danger, including his own downfall.
- Irony: He believes removing the bell will take away the Abbot’s credit, but in reality, it will cause disaster.
Stanza 11
Sir Ralph the Rover sail’d away,
He scour’d the seas for many a day;
And now grown rich with plunder’d store,
He steers his course for Scotland’s shore.
Vocabulary Notes: Scour’d – Traveled around, especially in search of something (इधर-उधर घूमना, खासकर कुछ खोजने के लिए)। Plunder’d – Robbed or stole by force (लूटा या जबरदस्ती छीना)। Steer – To control the direction of a ship (जहाज की दिशा नियंत्रित करना)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “Sir Ralph the Rover sail’d away,”: After removing the bell, Sir Ralph leaves the Inchcape Rock. He continues his journey at sea.
- “He scour’d the seas for many a day;”: “Scour’d” means he roamed or traveled widely. He spends a long time sailing across the ocean.
- “And now grown rich with plunder’d store,”:“Plundered store” refers to stolen treasures. He has become wealthy by looting other ships.
- “He steers his course for Scotland’s shore.”: He now decides to return to Scotland. After many days of robbery, he heads back home.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “Sir Ralph the Rover sail’d away,” – सर राल्फ समुद्र में आगे निकल गया।
- “He scour’d the seas for many a day;” – वह कई दिनों तक समुद्र में घूमता रहा।
- “And now grown rich with plunder’d store,” – वह चोरी किए गए खज़ाने से अमीर बन गया।
- “He steers his course for Scotland’s shore.” – अब वह स्कॉटलैंड लौटने के लिए अपना जहाज मोड़ता है।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- This stanza shows Sir Ralph’s life as a pirate—he steals from others to gain wealth.
- His greed and wickedness are clear because he does not regret his past actions.
- This is the turning point in the poem—his return foreshadows (hints at) his downfall.
- The theme of karma is present—his bad actions will soon lead to his own suffering.
Literary Devices:
- Foreshadowing: His return to Scotland hints that something bad will happen to him.
- Imagery: Describes his journey and wealth, helping readers picture his pirate life.
Stanza 12
So thick a haze o’erspreads the sky,
They cannot see the sun on high;
The wind hath blown a gale all day,
At evening it hath died away.
Vocabulary Notes: Haze – Light mist or fog that makes it hard to see (धुंध या कुहासा जो देखने में कठिनाई करे)। Hath – Old-fashioned form of “has” (पुराने समय का “has” का रूप, जिसका अर्थ है ‘रखा है’ या ‘है’)। Gale – A very strong wind (बहुत तेज़ हवा या तूफान)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “So thick a haze o’erspreads the sky,”: A thick haze (dense fog or mist) covers the sky. “O’erspreads” means spreads over or covers completely.
- “They cannot see the sun on high;”: The fog is so dense that the sailors cannot see the sun in the sky. This makes it hard for them to know their exact location.
- “The wind hath blown a gale all day,”:“Gale” means a strong wind. The wind has been blowing very strongly throughout the day.
- “At evening it hath died away.”: As the evening arrives, the strong wind suddenly stops. This sudden calmness makes sailing more difficult.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “So thick a haze o’erspreads the sky,” – गहरा कोहरा आकाश में छा गया।
- “They cannot see the sun on high;” – नाविक सूरज को नहीं देख पा रहे हैं।
- “The wind hath blown a gale all day,” – पूरा दिन तेज़ हवा चलती रही।
- “At evening it hath died away.” – शाम होते ही हवा अचानक रुक गई।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- This stanza creates a sense of mystery and danger.
- The thick fog and the absence of the sun suggest that something bad is about to happen.
- The strong wind earlier in the day represents turbulence, while the sudden calmness at night symbolizes an eerie stillness before disaster.
- Foreshadowing: The loss of natural guidance (sun, wind) hints that the sailors are in danger without realizing it.
Literary Devices:
- Imagery: The poet describes the sky covered with haze, making the scene unclear and gloomy.
- Alliteration: “see the sun” (2)
- Personification: “The wind hath blown a gale all day”—wind is described as if it has a will of its own.
- Foreshadowing: The unclear sky and lack of wind suggest that something bad is about to happen.
Stanza 13
On the deck the Rover takes his stand,
So dark it is they see no land.
Quoth Sir Ralph, “It will be lighter soon,
For there is the dawn of the rising Moon.”
Explanation of Lines:
- “On the deck the Rover takes his stand,”: Sir Ralph stands on the deck of his ship. He is looking around, probably to check their location.
- “So dark it is they see no land.”: It is extremely dark at sea. The sailors cannot see any land because of the darkness and haze.
- “Quoth Sir Ralph, ‘It will be lighter soon,'”: “Quoth” means said (old-fashioned English). Sir Ralph says that it will soon become bright.
- “For there is the dawn of the rising Moon.”: He notices that the moon is starting to rise. He believes that the moonlight will soon make things visible.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “On the deck the Rover takes his stand,” – सर राल्फ जहाज़ के डेक पर खड़ा होता है।
- “So dark it is they see no land.” – इतनी अंधेरी रात है कि उन्हें कोई ज़मीन नहीं दिख रही।
- “Quoth Sir Ralph, ‘It will be lighter soon,'” – सर राल्फ कहता है, “जल्द ही रोशनी हो जाएगी।”
- “For there is the dawn of the rising Moon.” – “क्योंकि चाँद उग रहा है और उसकी रोशनी बढ़ रही है।”
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- The darkness represents danger and uncertainty. The sailors are lost at sea.
- Sir Ralph’s confidence in the moonlight shows his false sense of security—he does not realize the danger ahead.
- The moon rising is a symbol of hope, but ironically, it will soon reveal the disaster they are heading toward.
- Foreshadowing: The rising moon hints that the sailors will soon see something shocking—the Inchcape Rock!
Literary Devices:
- Imagery: The dark sea, the invisible land, and the moon rising create a vivid picture of the scene.
- Irony: Sir Ralph thinks the moonlight will help them, but it will actually reveal their doom.
- Foreshadowing: The mention of the rising moon suggests that something bad will soon be seen.
Stanza 14
“Canst hear,” said one, “the breakers roar?
For methinks we should be near the shore.”
“Now, where we are I cannot tell,
But I wish we could hear the Inchcape Bell.”
Vocabulary Notes: Canst – Old-fashioned form of “can” (पुराने समय का “can” का रूप, जिसका अर्थ है ‘सकते हो’)। Breakers roar – The loud sound of ocean waves crashing on rocks (समुद्री लहरों का चट्टानों से टकराने की तेज़ आवाज़)। Methinks – Old-fashioned way of saying “I think” (पुराने समय का “I think” का रूप, जिसका अर्थ है ‘मुझे लगता है’)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “Canst hear,” said one, “the breakers roar?”: One of the sailors asks, “Can you hear the waves crashing?” “Breakers” means waves that crash against rocks or the shore. “Roar” means a loud sound, so the sailor is hearing the strong waves hitting something nearby.
- “For methinks we should be near the shore.”: “Methinks” is an old-fashioned word meaning “I think”. The sailor believes they are close to land because of the sound of waves.
- “Now, where we are I cannot tell,”: They don’t know their exact location. The thick fog and darkness have made them lose their way.
- “But I wish we could hear the Inchcape Bell.”: The sailor wishes they could hear the warning bell of the Inchcape Rock. This would have helped them know where the dangerous rock was.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “Canst hear,” said one, “the breakers roar?” – एक नाविक ने पूछा, “क्या तुम लहरों की गड़गड़ाहट सुन सकते हो?”
- “For methinks we should be near the shore.” – “मुझे लगता है कि हम किनारे के क़रीब हैं।”
- “Now, where we are I cannot tell,” – “मुझे नहीं पता कि हम कहाँ हैं।”
- “But I wish we could hear the Inchcape Bell.” – “काश! हम इंचकेप बेल की आवाज़ सुन सकते।”
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- This stanza shows panic and uncertainty among the sailors.
- The waves crashing loudly suggest danger is close.
- The absence of the Inchcape Bell now makes them realize its importance, but it is too late.
- Irony: Sir Ralph cut the bell earlier to harm others, but now he himself needs it for safety.
Literary Devices:
- Imagery – The roaring waves and unseen shore create a suspenseful and tense atmosphere.
- Irony – They now wish for the bell, which Sir Ralph himself destroyed.
- Foreshadowing – The loud waves suggest that a disaster is about to happen.
Stanza 15
They hear no sound, the swell is strong,
Though the wind hath fallen they drift along;
Till the vessel strikes with a shivering shock,
“Oh Christ! It is the Inchcape Rock!”
Vocabulary Notes: The swell – The rise and fall of sea waves (समुद्री लहरों का ऊँचा-नीचा होना)। Drift – To be carried away by water or wind (पानी या हवा के बहाव में बह जाना)। Shivering Rock – A rock that causes the ship to shake violently on impact (एक चट्टान जिससे टकराकर जहाज ज़ोर से हिल जाता है)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “They hear no sound, the swell is strong,”: The sailors cannot hear anything—there is complete silence. “Swell” refers to large waves in the sea, and here, they are strong and forceful.
- “Though the wind hath fallen they drift along;”: The wind has stopped blowing, but the ship is still moving with the ocean currents (drifting).
- “Till the vessel strikes with a shivering shock,”: Suddenly, the ship crashes into something with a strong and terrifying impact. “Shivering shock” means a violent and fear-inducing collision.
- “Oh Christ! It is the Inchcape Rock!”: The sailors realize in horror that they have hit the dangerous Inchcape Rock. Someone calls out “Oh Christ!” as an expression of shock and fear.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “They hear no sound, the swell is strong,” – वे कोई आवाज़ नहीं सुन सकते, लेकिन समुद्र की लहरें तेज़ हैं।
- “Though the wind hath fallen they drift along;” – हवा रुक गई है, फिर भी जहाज़ बहता जा रहा है।
- “Till the vessel strikes with a shivering shock,” – अचानक जहाज़ तेज़ झटके से चट्टान से टकरा जाता है।
- “Oh Christ! It is the Inchcape Rock!” – कोई चिल्लाता है, “हे ईश्वर! यह तो इंचकेप चट्टान है!
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- The sailors desperately needed the Inchcape Bell to warn them, but it was removed by Sir Ralph.
- This is the turning point in the poem—Sir Ralph’s evil act has come back to haunt him.
- Poetic Justice: Sir Ralph removed the bell to harm others, but now he himself suffers because of it.
- Karma: His own actions have led to his downfall.
Literary Devices:
- Imagery – The strong waves, silent sea, sudden crash all create a vivid picture of disaster.
- Irony – The bell was cut to cause harm, but now Sir Ralph himself needed it for survival.
- Alliteration – swell is strong; (1) “Shivering shock” (3) (repetition of ‘sh’ sound) emphasizes the sudden and violent crash.
Stanza 16
Sir Ralph the Rover tore his hair,
He curst himself in his despair;
The waves rush in on every side,
The ship is sinking beneath the tide.
Vocabulary Notes: Tore – Pulled or ripped forcefully (ज़ोर से खींचा या फाड़ा)। Curst – Old-fashioned form of “cursed”; to blame or wish evil upon oneself or others (पुराने समय का “cursed”, जिसका अर्थ है श्राप देना या दोष देना)। Despair – A feeling of complete hopelessness (पूरी तरह निराशा का भाव)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “Sir Ralph the Rover tore his hair,”: Sir Ralph is filled with regret and frustration. “Tore his hair” is an expression showing extreme sorrow and hopelessness.
- “He curst himself in his despair;”: He curses himself because he knows he is responsible for the disaster. “Despair” means deep sadness and hopelessness.
- “The waves rush in on every side,”: The sea water is rushing into the ship from all directions. The ship is getting filled with water and is about to sink.
- “The ship is sinking beneath the tide.”: The ship slowly goes underwater as it sinks into the sea. “Tide” refers to the rising and falling movement of the sea.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “Sir Ralph the Rover tore his hair,” – सर राल्फ गुस्से और पछतावे में अपने बाल खींचता है।
- “He curst himself in his despair;” – वह गहरे दुख में खुद को कोसता है।
- “The waves rush in on every side,” – लहरें हर तरफ से जहाज में घुस रही हैं।
- “The ship is sinking beneath the tide.” – जहाज धीरे-धीरे पानी में डूब रहा है।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- Sir Ralph realizes his mistake, but it is too late.
- Poetic Justice: The evil he did has come back to punish him.
- Regret and Helplessness: He curses himself, but now nothing can save him.
- Symbolism: The sinking ship represents his downfall, caused by his own greed and wickedness.
Literary Devices:
- Imagery – “The waves rush in on every side” creates a dramatic picture of water filling the ship.
- Alliteration – “ship is sinking” (4) (repetition of ‘s’ sound)
- Irony – Sir Ralph removed the warning bell, and now he is the one who needed it most.
Stanza 17
But even is his dying fear,
One dreadful sound could the Rover hear;
A sound as if with the Inchcape Bell,
The Devil below was ringing his knell.
Vocabulary Notes: Knell – The sound of a bell, often signalling death or disaster (घंटी की धीमी और भयानक आवाज़, जो आमतौर पर मृत्यु या विपत्ति का संकेत देती है)।
Explanation of Lines:
- “But even in his dying fear,”: Sir Ralph is terrified as he realizes he is about to die. “Dying fear” means the fear of death.
- “One dreadful sound could the Rover hear;”: He hears a terrible sound in his final moments. “Dreadful” means horrible and scary.
- “A sound as if with the Inchcape Bell,”: The sound seems like the Inchcape Bell ringing. But the bell was destroyed by Sir Ralph himself.
- “The Devil below was ringing his knell.”: “The Devil” symbolizes punishment for his wicked deeds. “Knell” means the sound of a bell rung for death. It suggests that Sir Ralph is being called to his doom.
Explanation in Hindi:
- “But even in his dying fear,” – मरते समय भी सर राल्फ डर से कांप रहा था।
- “One dreadful sound could the Rover hear;” – उसने एक भयानक आवाज सुनी।
- “A sound as if with the Inchcape Bell,” – ऐसा लगा जैसे इंचकेप बेल बज रही हो।
- “The Devil below was ringing his knell.” – शैतान खुद उसकी मौत की घंटी बजा रहा था।
Deeper Meaning and Interpretation:
- Guilt and Punishment: Even though Sir Ralph removed the Inchcape Bell, he imagines hearing it in his last moments, showing his guilt and fear.
- Poetic Justice: His evil actions have led to his downfall.
- Supernatural Element: The mention of the Devil suggests that Sir Ralph’s soul is doomed.
- Irony: He laughed while cutting the bell, but now he hears it ringing for his own death.
Literary Devices:
- Imagery – “One dreadful sound” creates a haunting picture of his final moments.
- Symbolism – “The Devil below” represents the punishment for his sins.
- Irony – He removed the warning bell, but now he imagines it ringing for him.
- Metaphor – “The Devil below was ringing his knell” compares his death to a funeral bell.