"In a solitude of the sea
Deep from human vanity,
And the Pride of Life that planned her, stilly couches she."
The diction and details used in this poem set an obvious tone for its reading. It creates a feeling of sadness and sympathy. This ship that was so innocent and unknowing, standing for the people of the time, became to proud and boastful. It was too big and splendid, planned by the "Pride of Life". This was her downfall. People at the time of the Titanic (which this poem is written about) had begun moving quickly in the ways of technological advancement. They no longer stopped to consider the consequences. It was innocent pride, but pride nonetheless. As people's pride grew, so did the danger that accompanies pride, symbolized by the iceberg. "No mortal eye could see" the damage that the iceberg would do to the Titanic or the way the ship's sinking would affect civilization. Everyone was rooting for this new piece of technology, even the reader, regardless of whether it was overflowing with pride. And when the reader realizes that this beautiful ship so full of life now lies with "sea-worms" and "dim moon-eyed fishes" he or she is overcome with sadness and a feeling of discouragement, inspired by the beginning but only resounded by the rest of the poem.
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