Shores: Theme; Place

“Shores: Theme; Place”

Exploring the Theme

  • ‘Shores’ is a poem written by Sorley MacLean that is deeply rooted in the sense of place.
  • It’s an exploration of the author’s personal experience and connection to the Hebridean landscapes in Scotland.
  • The overall theme speaks about love, loss and change, but importantly, the setting of the poem, which is an intrinsic part of the narrative, cannot be overlooked.

Place as a Symbol

  • The shores in Sorley MacLean’s ‘Shores’ are symbolic and represent a safe haven where the speaker feels comforted or at home.
  • MacLean uses the metaphoric language to imbue the landscape with emotions and sensations.
  • The shores depicted in the poem can be seen as a metaphor for human life, experience, and emotion.
  • Apart from being a place, the shores also symbolise time, history and memories which play a significant role in the overall theme of the poem.

Place and Memory

  • In MacLean’s ‘Shores’, the sense of place is closely tied to the speaker’s memories and past experiences.
  • He uses the landscape as a canvas to recall past events and experiences, suggesting a link between place and memory.
  • MacLean’s representation of the local Hebridean landscape also underscores the concept of returning to one’s origins and the connection between identity and place.

Language and Place

  • MacLean’s poetic language employs emotive descriptions of the natural world to evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing associated with the speaker’s connection to the shores.
  • The poet uses vivid imagery of the shores and sea to emphasise his passion for the Hebrides, effectively placing nature at the centre of human experience.
  • MacLean’s descriptive language brings the dynamic nature of shores to life, thus fully immersing the reader in the speaker’s emotional landscape.

Place as a Character

  • MacLean personifies the shores and sea, imbuing them with qualities that allow them to take on a life of their own.
  • This technique adds depth to the theme of place, by depicting the shores as not just a geographical location, but a living, breathing entity, much like a character in a story.
  • MacLean’s personification of the shores helps to capture the vibrant spirit and character of the Hebrides, as well as emphasise the intimate relationship between the speaker and his homeland.