Adrienne Rich’s Diving into the Water

Colleen Capleton

English 102

Essay #2

Casey

Adrienne Rich’s diving into the water in my opinion was written about a woman who was trying to find out who she is and her role in life. Though the poem can be interpreted by readers in many ways, I believe riches point was to convey her transformation in life.

In the first three lines Rich presents imagery ‘the book of myths’ (1) is the opening and closing image of the poem this confirms to read is that the focus of the poem is more related to exploration and said of the wreckage. The second image is the loaded camera the narrator has to be able to capture proof of the truth she plans on finding. Lastly the last imagery in the stanza is a knife the narrator is preparing for any dangers that may lie ahead after she Dives into the sea. It also shows the narrator state of mind because she is willing to face whatever danger in order to achieve her goal of self-discovery Rich has successfully convey in the poem that this journey into the sea shouldn't be taken lightly. Also that a person should know beforehand what they're getting themselves into and be ready for what the discoveries May uncover. Everything the diver carried seem to have their own importance the next became a symbol of violence when the diver checked the blade. Between the book camera and knife they are all deemed necessary for the dive but are potentially harmful.

The divers knife and black body armor also shows her readiness for a danger and shows she's equipped with protection for whatever dangers she may face. While she speaks of putting on the armor she says “The absurd flippers, the grave and awkward masks.” (6-7) Without her flippers and mask, the diver would be unable to dive into the ocean. Later in the poem Rich quotes “My flippers crippled me.” (29) The wreck she is ready to dive towards isn't just in the sea but also represented her wanting to find her happiness.

“There is a ladder. The ladder is always there. Hanging innocently. Close to the side of the schooner.” (13-16) The diver descends into the sea on the slider it is personified when the narrator says hanging there innocently which means if you aren't going down it doesn't mean anything to you. Resulting in it looking innocent to cover up its true meaning. When she reaches the end it's as if her past life has ended readers become aware that the ladder Also may represent changing in the divers position, to either go up or down. “I had to learn alone. To turn my body without force. And deep element.” (41-43) Though the ladder is a way down for the diver it also becomes an obstacle this is a metaphor