1. Remembrance and Mourning: The poem opens with the line, "Full fathom five thy father lies," creating a vivid image of the deceased father resting beneath the sea. The speaker's remembrance of the father's death highlights how the loss is deeply felt and remembered by the living.
2. Return to Nature: The poem describes how the father's body becomes a part of the natural world, transformed by sea creatures and processes:
"His bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes:
Nothing of him that doth fade,
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange."
This representation suggests that death leads to a merging with the elements, a reintegration into the natural cycle. The process transforms the father's remains into precious objects, symbolizing the transformation and continuation of life even after physical death.
3. Enduring Impact: The poem goes on to describe the lasting effects of the father's death on his son, who speaks the lines. The son's sense of loss and grief continues, reminding him of the precious nature of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. Death leaves a profound impact on the living, shaping their perspectives and emotions.
4. Acceptance and Tranquility: Despite the sorrow, the poem also conveys a sense of acceptance and tranquility regarding death. The speaker's tone becomes almost serene as he reflects on the father's peaceful resting place, cradled by the ocean:
"Thy father lies;
Far off his bones are washed,
His grave at quiet, peace for thee."
This portrayal suggests that death can bring about a final resting place where the departed finds eternal repose and peace.
In "Full fathom five thy father lies," death is meaningful not only as an end to life but also as a transformative process that ties into nature and profoundly affects the living. It is a reminder of life's brevity, the interconnectedness of all things, and the ongoing presence and impact of those who have passed.