Water symbolism in Lycidas

Elizabeth Stevens
Milton
Professor Baumel
21 September 2004
More often than necessary, the speaker makes several comments about how water plays an important role in sadness and death. Typically, water can be compared to tears of sadness and/or joy. The speaker uses this comparison and contrast to explain both the tradgedy and triumph of the death of Lycidas.
The water imagery 'fountain, flood, sea, waves' of the seventh stanza recall King's death in the chilly waters of the Irish Sea. The speaker is angry and wishes to find a scapegoat to put the blame on for Lycidas dying. However N…