The Wreck of the Titanic

 "The Wreck of the Titanic: A Poetic Tale of Tragedy and Heroism"

Introduction: Explore the haunting verses of Benjamin Peck Keith's poignant poem, "The Wreck of the Titanic." This evocative literary piece captures the essence of one of the most tragic maritime disasters in history, blending the grandeur of the Titanic with acts of courage and heroism that unfolded on that fateful night.

Overview: "The Wreck of the Titanic" unfolds as a lyrical narrative, depicting the majestic departure of the Titanic from Southampton to its untimely demise in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Benjamin Peck Keith, an American poet, weaves a tapestry of words that brings to life the atmosphere on board, the collision with an iceberg, and the valiant response of the crew.

Key Themes:

Symbolism and Metaphor:

Historical Allusions: Discover the poet's homage to historical events such as Trafalgar, the Alamo, Waterloo, and the Charge of the Light Brigade. Understand how these allusions enrich the narrative, drawing parallels between the Titanic's story and other moments of bravery and sacrifice in history.

Musical Echoes: Explore the emotional resonance of the Titanic's band playing "Nearer My God to Thee" as the ship sank. Uncover the role of music in providing a solemn backdrop to the unfolding tragedy.

Conclusion: "The Wreck of the Titanic" stands as a timeless poetic tribute to the events of April 15, 1912. Navigate through the verses to experience the awe-inspiring and tragic tale of a ship deemed unsinkable, now immortalized in the poetic legacy of Benjamin Peck Keith. This web page invites you to reflect on the courage of the crew, the fragility of human endeavors, and the enduring echoes of a maritime disaster that forever changed history.


The Wreck of the Titanic

Out of Southampton she swung with the stream,

A poem of iron and steel, A sea dream.

And thousands on shore, watched her steaming away:

The largest, and grandest of all ships that day.

 

And the thousand on board, did security feel,

For no eye saw death, as he stood at the wheel;

Directing her course to the echoless shore,

Her first and last haven of nevermore.

 

She was the last, best work of men,

And on her first voyage was speeding -- when:

Out of the darkness, Out of the night,

Loomed an ominous form of ghostly white.

 

'Twas a towering mountain of ice -- gigantic,

As ever was seen on the North Atlantic.

She struck, with a shiver from stem to stern:

And was rapidly sinking -- All soon did learn.

 

Then Captain Smith, her commander brave,

Thought not one moment, his own life to save,

But stood on the bridge, calling out to the crew:

Remember your country, Be British, be true.

 

And England, and Ireland, and Scotland, and Wales,

Proved there to the World: Their valour ne'er fails,

'The women and children first,' was their cry,

And every one of the Crew, stood by.

 

And the boats were lowered and sent away,

That cut off all hope, save eternity,

And, The Titanic sank from sight, 'neath the Sea

While her band played, Nearer My God to Thee.

 

Was there ever a scene so awfully grand?

As that sinking ship, with her playing band.

All glory to Smith, and the Titanic's men,

They bring Trafalgar's heroes to memory again.

 

And that heart thrilling tale of the Alamo,

And the last grand charge at Waterloo,

And that charge of 'The Light Brigade' as well,

And Jim Bludso's act on 'The Prairie Belle.'

 

And with these down the corridors of all time,

The Titanic's story shall sound sublime,

For never was courage more noble and true,

Than was shown on that night, by the Titanic's crew.

BENJAMIN PECK KEITH


Do you know?

The Titanic was built between 1909 and 1911. It was 882 feet

(269 metres) in length and 175 feet (53 metres) in height and

had a crew of around 900 people.

 

The Titanic's intended course was from Southampton, England

to New York City, USA. It left Southampton on April 10,

1912 and stopped at destinations in France and Ireland before

heading west towards New York.

 

It collided with an iceberg and sank on April 15, 1912. Over

1500 people died because of the sinking of the ship.

 

The remains of the Titanic wreck sit on the seabed over 12400

feet (3780 metres) beneath the surface.

 

haven           a place that is safe; where people are protected

 

nevermore      never again

loomed           to appear as a large shape that is not clear, in a frightening way

 

ominous         suggesting that something bad is going to happen in the future

 

Captain Smith  Edward John Smith, captain of RMS Titanic


bridge           (of a ship) where captain and other officers can stand when they are controlling the ship

 

Nearer my God to Thee         19th-century Christian hymn by Sarah Flower Adams

 

Trafalgar     The Battle of Trafalgar (21 October 1805) was a naval engagement fought by the Royal Navy against the combined fleets of the French and Spanish Navies. Though they were outnumbered, the Royal Navy, led by Nelson, won the battle.

 

Alamo        The Battle of the Alamo (February 23 - March 6, 1836) was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. The Texans defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, on April 21, 1836, ending the revolution.

 

Waterloo       The Battle of Waterloo was fought on 18 June, 1815, near Waterloo in present-day Belgium. Emperor Napoleon was defeated by the armies of the Seventh Coalition.

 

The Light Brigade     The Charge of the Light Brigade was a charge of British light cavalry against Russian forces during the Battle of Balaclava on 25 October 1854.

 

 

 

Jim Bludso   an engineer who died while saving the lives of the passengers of a boat called Prairie Bell on the Mississippi river. He became instantly popular, and John Hay wrote a poem about him entitled 'Jim Bludso of the Prairie Bell' in 1871.

 

sublime         of high quality that makes you admire something very much

 


Summary

The poem "The Wreck of the Titanic" by Benjamin Peck Keith vividly captures the tragic events surrounding the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. The poet emphasizes the grandeur of the ship, its ill-fated encounter with an iceberg, and the heroic acts of the crew in the face of disaster.

The poem begins by describing the Titanic's departure from Southampton as a "poem of iron and steel, a sea dream." The ship is hailed as the "largest and grandest of all ships" on that day. As the narrative unfolds, the ominous iceberg emerges from the darkness, leading to a shiver that runs through the ship. The poet highlights the rapid sinking of the Titanic and the bravery of Captain Smith, who prioritizes the safety of the crew and passengers over his own life.

The verses evoke a sense of national pride as the crew members, representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, exhibit valour and adherence to the principle of "women and children first." The lowering of lifeboats is described as cutting off "all hope, save eternity," emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The final moments of the Titanic, sinking beneath the sea while the band plays "Nearer My God to Thee," are portrayed as a scene of "awfully grand" tragedy.

The poem pays homage to the courage of the Titanic's crew, drawing parallels with historical acts of valour, such as Trafalgar, the Alamo, Waterloo, and the Charge of the Light Brigade. Jim Bludso's selfless act on "The Prairie Belle" is also mentioned, emphasizing the timeless nature of the Titanic's story.

Benjamin Peck Keith immortalizes the bravery and honor shown by the Titanic crew on that fateful night in his poignant verses. The poem serves as a tribute to the enduring memory of the tragedy and the bravery of those who faced it.


MCQ


A. Tick the correct answer.

1. Out of Southampton she swung with the stream. The word she refers to

(a) one of the ladies on board the Titanic.

(b) the captain and crew of the Titanic.

(c) the ship Titanic.

(d) the iceberg that the Titanic hit.

 

2. For no eye saw death, as he stood at the wheel. The word he refers to

(a) the Captain of the Titanic who gave directions.

(b) the helmsman of the Titanic who steered the ship.

(c) the lookout officer of the Titanic who gave information.

(d) Death itself who guided the ship towards its ruin.

 

3. the echoless shore means

(a) the port of Southampton that the Titanic had left.

(b) the English Channel which the Titanic was crossing.

(c) the shores of New York across the Atlantic Ocean where Titanic was headed.

(d) the shores of the world of the dead where there is no sound.

 

4. The Titanic hit an iceberg

(a) in the morning.

(b) in the evening.

(c) at night.

(d) at dawn.

 

5. Captain Smith wanted his men to

(i) put duty before self and save

women and children without

thinking of their own safety in

the manner of the people of

Britain.

 

(ii) remember they were Britons

first and they must first save

people from England, Ireland,

Scotland, and Wales.

 

(iii) first pray, play music and sing

hymns before leaving the ship as

people from Britain.

 

(iv) fight valiantly and save the ship

and prevent it from sinking.

 

(a) Option (i)

(b) Option (ii)

(c) Option (iii)

(d) Option (iv)

…………………………………………………………………………..

A. Tick (ü) the correct answer.

(c) the ship Titanic.

(b) the helmsman of the Titanic who steered the ship.

(d) the shores of the world of the dead where there is no sound.

(c) at night.

(i) put duty before self and save women and children without thinking of their own safety in the manner of the people of Britain.

 

 

So, the correct options are:

 


B. Answer the following questions.

1. Why was the Titanic called 'a poem of iron and steel'?

2. What was to be the Titanic's first and last harbour?

3. What was the 'ominous form' which loomed out of the darkness?

4. Why does the poet describe Captain Smith, the commander of the ship, as 'brave'?

5. Who got the top priority to be rescued from the sinking Titanic? What was the only hope for the people left on board the sinking Titanic when all the boats had sailed away?

6. What was the 'awfully grand' scene, according to the poet?

………………………………………………………………….

Answer

B. Answer the following questions.

The Titanic was referred to as 'a poem of iron and steel' to emphasize its grandeur and majesty, highlighting the technological marvel and craftsmanship involved in its construction.

The Titanic's first and last harbour was described as the "echoless shore," symbolizing both its departure from Southampton and its tragic final destination in the depths of the sea.

The 'ominous form' that loomed out of the darkness was a towering mountain of ice—an iceberg—described as ghostly white.

The poet describes Captain Smith as 'brave' because, in the face of the sinking ship, he did not prioritize his own life but instead stood on the bridge, directing the crew and calling out to them to remember their duty and be true to their country.

According to the poet, the 'awfully grand' scene was the sinking of the Titanic, accompanied by the playing of the band, creating a tragic and majestic spectacle as the ship descended beneath the sea.

C. Think and answer

The crew of the Titanic were real heroes because even in the face of death, they were duty-

bound, upholding certain values and principles. Justify.

……………………………………………………………………………

 

Answer

The crew of the Titanic can be considered real heroes because of their unwavering commitment to duty, their adherence to values, and their principles in the face of a catastrophic and life-threatening situation. Several aspects justify this characterization:

In summary, the crew of the Titanic exhibited heroism by prioritizing duty, upholding values, and adhering to principles that went beyond individual self-preservation. Their actions in the face of the disaster highlight the enduring qualities of courage, sacrifice, and a sense of duty that define true heroism.

Appreciation

 

Dramatic irony

The term irony refers to a discrepancy, or disagreement, of some sort. Dramatic irony is the

discrepancy between the facts known to a character and the facts known to us, the readers

or audience.

 

Bring out the irony in And the thousand on board, did security feel.

 

Metaphor

A metaphor is a comparison between two concepts, tightened by the omission of any

adjoining words.

Explain the metaphors

(a) A poem of iron and steel

(b) A sea dream

(c) Echoless shores

 

Allusion

An allusion is a figure of speech that makes a reference to, or representation of, a place,

event, literary work, myth, or work of art, either directly or by implication.

List the allusions in the poem. What do they emphasise?

…………………………………………………

Answers

Dramatic Irony: The dramatic irony in the line "And the thousand on board did security feel" lies in the fact that while the passengers on board the Titanic felt secure, the readers or audience, who are aware of the impending disaster, understand the tragic outcome. The passengers' sense of security contrasts sharply with the actual danger they are unknowingly facing.

Metaphors: (a) A poem of iron and steel: This metaphor compares the Titanic to a poem, emphasizing its grandeur and craftsmanship. The use of 'iron and steel' underscores the technological marvel and strength of the ship, elevating it to a work of art.

(b) A sea dream: Describing the Titanic as a 'sea dream' suggests a sense of unreal or dreamlike beauty. It conveys the idea that the ship, with its majestic presence, is something almost fantastical and awe-inspiring.

(c) Echoless shores: This metaphor refers to the final destination of the Titanic, where the shores are described as 'echoless.' It implies a sense of finality and silence, emphasizing the tragic and irreversible nature of the ship's fate.

Allusion: The poem contains several historical and literary allusions, including:

These allusions serve to connect the events of the Titanic to broader historical and cultural contexts. They underscore the magnitude of the crew's actions, comparing them to other instances of valor and sacrifice in history and adding depth and resonance to the poem.


An emergency situation

An emergency situation can arise at any time, and we must be prepared for it. Have you ever come across such a situation? What did you do about that situation?

 

A fire-safety training programme is being conducted to create awareness among the students and staff. Listen to a safety officer giving some tips on how to use a fire extinguisher to put out fire in an emergency, and complete the following statements by filling in one or two words in the blanks.

2. There are

 

A. Read the sentences before listening to the talk.

1. The three causes of fire are paper, inflammable liquid and _________.

2. There are_________________types of fire-extinguishers.

3. Fire-extinguishers should be checked _______ a year.

4. To operate a fire-extinguisher you must remember the word __________.

5. The dry chemical powder used in the extinguisher is made from _______.

6. In restaurants the extinguisher commonly used is the __________.

7. Electrical fires or fires involving inflammable liquids should not be put out using the __________extinguisher.

 

B. There is a Fire Emergency Drill in school. As the Head Girl/Boy of the Middle School,

you have been told to make an announcement giving students instructions to vacate

the building. How will you make the announcement?

 

I. You must speak slowly and clearly.

2. Your instructions must be precise.

3. They must be clear and easily understood.

4. Be sure to guide them towards the nearest exit.

 

Remember, you want students

. to not panic or start pushing each other as they rush out.

. to take the stairs and not the lift.

· to take a particular exit.

 

………………………………………………………………………….

Answer

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? This is [Your Name], your Head Girl/Boy, speaking. I need everyone to remain calm and listen carefully. We are currently conducting a Fire Emergency Drill, and I will provide you with instructions on how to vacate the building safely.

Firstly, I urge everyone to stay calm and avoid any panic. It is crucial for our safety that we follow the procedure calmly and orderly.

Please proceed to the nearest exit. Do not push or shove, and be mindful of those around you. If you are in a classroom or any enclosed space, exit the room in an organized manner, and join the flow of students moving towards the exit.

Remember to take the stairs and not the lift. Elevators are not to be used during emergency situations.

For those on the ground floor, head directly to the designated exit point. If you are on an upper floor, use the stairs to descend safely. Do not use the elevators.

Make sure to keep moving and not to linger in hallways or stairwells. Once you reach the designated exit, please move away from the building to allow others to exit safely.

Our priority is everyone's safety, so please follow these instructions carefully. Thank you for your cooperation, and let's ensure a safe and efficient evacuation


Extra questions:

 

……………………………………………………………………………..

Answers


Here are the answers to the MCQ's: