WAEC Literature in English 2018 Theory — Question 18

Model answer

The poem 'Crossing the Bar' is a philosophical poem that meditates on death. Through the use of nautical imagery, the poet portrays death as a voyage: a journey on the sea. On the surface, the poet is set to embark on a voyage, but this voyage is not an ordinary one. It simply means death. The voyage as portrayed in this poem is death, which is a journey of no return. The poet sees death as a welcome phenomenon as he approaches death with hope. The first stanza of the poem presents the poet's persona as a person old enough to embrace his death. 'Sunset and evening star' is a metaphor for old age. The poet's persona is old and, as a result, death beckons: 'and one clear call for me.' The poet does not want the usual sadness and mourning to accompany his death: 'May there be no moaning of the bar/when I put out to sea.' The 'bar' and 'sea' in this context typify death. The poet's persona is set for this voyage of death and he is sure and certain that things are in order and in place to ascertain the success of his voyage: 'but such a tide as moving seems asleep/ too full for sound and foam.' It is evident that the voyage is going to be peaceful and devoid of impediments from the aquatic bodies. The third stanza of the poem re-echoes the idea in the first stanza. 'Twilight and evening bell' represents old age and the impending death. The poet opines that after his death, the loved ones should exercise no sadness of farewell: 'May there be no sadness of farewell when I embark.' The poet reiterates that his death should not be mourned or treated with sadness; rather, it should be treated as a natural and inevitable occurrence which must come in due time. The poet notifies the people to be left behind that 'the flood' may bear him far. The flood here means death. He also hopes to 'see my Pilot face to face when I have crossed the bar.' 'Pilot' here means God, to whom all souls must report. It is of note that the poet is conscious of heaven and the certainty of meeting his maker when he has 'crossed the bar.'