We might need a bigger boat...

Throughout the poem “Emaré,” there are instances of repetition whether it be a stanza or use of symbolism. Additionally, the events throughout the poem are repeated in poor Emaré’s life. Her life is repeatedly controlled by someone else whether it be her father or mother-in-law. She seems like she cannot catch a break until the end of the poem.

Repetition can emphasize many different things within literature. For example, repetition can emphasize settings, character traits, small details, or mood within the plot. Within the poem “Emaré,” lines 325-336 and lines 673-684 are identical – some wording was changed for the meter of the poem. The repeated stanza describes Emaré’s lonely time on the boat, and that she reaches land. This stanza seems to emphasize the feeling that Emaré has been at this point in her life before. She knows the feeling of being sent away by someone who said he loves her. She knows the gut-wrenching feeling of being on a boat and not knowing where she is heading – or if she will make it there alive.

The ocean is a symbol that is repeated in the poem. Every time Emaré is sent away she travels by water. She does not travel by horse which is common within medieval literature. The ocean typically reminds people of summer which is conveyed as a happier time. However, the ocean can remind people of a dark or scary place. In the poem, the ocean could symbolize a cleansing of Emaré’s old life so she can start a new beginning. When she reached Wales, she changed her name to forget about her life before. When Emare and her son reached Rome, she never told anyone about her past.

The repetition and symbolism add to the overall mood of the poem. Both draw the reader in to wonder if Emaré will ever get to land safely, and if she will ever receive her happily ever after.