The Kraken Flashcards
What is the spatial opposition in the lines ‘Below the thunders of the upper deep’?
The contrast between the ‘upper deep’ (associated with storms) and the ‘abysmal sea’ (silent and undisturbed) establishes a dichotomy between surface chaos and deep-sea stillness.
What do the lexical choices ‘abysmal’ and ‘ancient’ suggest?
‘Abysmal’ reinforces the mythic vastness of the Kraken’s domain, while ‘ancient’ suggests primordial existence predating human civilization.
What does ‘dreamlessness’ imply about the Kraken?
The negation of dreams implies pure stasis, aligning the Kraken with inorganic matter rather than sentient life.
How is sunlight personified in the lines ‘faintest sunlights flee’?
The verb ‘flee’ personifies sunlight as something that retreats in fear, reinforcing the oppressive darkness of the depths.
What does the phrase ‘millennial growth and height’ indicate?
It situates the Kraken in geological time, emphasizing his immovable longevity.
What does ‘sickly light’ suggest?
‘Sickly’ casts light as pale and unhealthy, adding to the poem’s eerie tone.
What does the Gothic lexicon in ‘wondrous grot and secret cell’ evoke?
It evokes a cavernous, labyrinthine quality, aligning the Kraken’s habitat with Gothic spaces of the unknown.
What does the dynamic verb ‘winnow’ imply?
‘Winnow’ emphasizes the ghostly, undulating stillness of underwater life.
What does ‘battening’ suggest about the Kraken’s state?
‘Battening’ implies that the Kraken is subtly absorbing sustenance even in dormancy.
What is the eschatological allusion in ‘latter fire’?
‘Latter fire’ recalls Biblical eschatology, framing the Kraken’s awakening as part of the world’s final destruction.
What is ironic about the Kraken’s manifestation?
Despite his millennial existence, the Kraken will only emerge momentarily, reinforcing the transience of all things.
What does the climactic ‘roaring rise’ suggest?
It subverts expectations—rather than wreaking havoc, the Kraken’s surfacing is immediately followed by death, suggesting monstrosity cannot exist in human sight or light.
What does The Kraken reflect about British Imperialism?
The Kraken reflects Britain’s growing dominance as a naval and colonial power during the early Victorian period. The vast ocean mirrors Britain’s explorations and conquests.
What might the Kraken symbolize in terms of political anxiety?
The Kraken’s dormant awakening suggests political revolutions and the forces threatening established power structures.
What historical events contributed to political instability in early 19th century Britain?
Revolutions in Europe, such as France in 1830 and Greece from 1821-1830, signaled political instability that the British government feared could spread.
How did the Industrial Revolution impact Britain by 1830?
The Industrial Revolution transformed Britain through factories, mechanization, and urbanization, altering traditional ways of life.
What hidden consequences of industrialization does The Kraken represent?
The Kraken symbolizes hidden consequences such as pollution, overpopulation, and social unrest.
What does the Kraken represent regarding economic inequalities?
The massive force beneath society reflects economic inequalities, suggesting the working class could rise in revolt.
How did Britain’s economy rely on maritime trade?
Britain’s economy depended on sea trade, exploration, and naval dominance, with the Kraken symbolizing unknown dangers of the ocean.
What Biblical themes are present in The Kraken?
The poem draws heavily on Biblical themes, particularly apocalyptic imagery from the Book of Revelation.
What does the Kraken’s rising symbolize in Christian eschatology?
The Kraken’s final rising before perishing in fire suggests the End of Days.
How is the Kraken related to the Leviathan myth?
The Kraken is often compared to Leviathan, symbolizing chaos and forces beyond human control.
What scientific discoveries challenged traditional religious beliefs during the Victorian era?
Discoveries in geology and evolution led to uncertainty about faith and the universe.
What does the deep sea symbolize in relation to the subconscious mind?
The deep sea can be seen as a metaphor for the subconscious mind, representing repressed fears and emotions.
How does The Kraken reflect the theme of nature vs. human civilization?
The Kraken reminds readers that nature is more powerful and enduring than human civilization.
What themes did Tennyson frequently explore in his poetry?
Tennyson often explored mythological and legendary themes, such as those found in Idylls of the King.
What personal struggles influenced Tennyson’s writing?
Tennyson grappled with melancholy and existential questions, reflected in The Kraken’s dark setting.
How was Tennyson influenced by Romanticism?
Tennyson was influenced by Romantic ideals of nature, mystery, and the supernatural.
What is innovative about the sonnet form of The Kraken?
The Kraken breaks the traditional 14-line structure, expanding to 15 lines to explore cosmic themes.
What Gothic influences are present in The Kraken?
The dark descriptions of the Kraken’s world reflect Gothic influences popular in early 19th-century literature.
How does The Kraken prefigure modern science fiction and horror?
The Kraken’s ancient slumber and awakening influenced later depictions of monstrous creatures in literature and film.
