The Sea, the Sea | Style

The Sea, the Sea Style

Point of View The Sea, the Sea is written entirely from a first person, subjective point of view - that of Charles Arrowby. The first thing to note here is that the first person perspective perfectly suits the character. Charles is hugely self centered and egotistical, therefore it only makes sense that his story is only told from his perspective. In other words, Charles' self involvement is clearly defined not only in terms of substance but also in terms of style, even though that style shifts back and forth from diary or journal entries to a more considered, less immediately recalled memoir. There is a sense of urgency and of randomness about the former style and a sense of careful choice about the latter, but there is also the very clear sense that events are recorded and recounted with little or no attempt at true objectivity. This makes him an untrustworthy narrator. It's up to the reader to discern the truth in, and behind, what he says. One way to do this might be to consider that the diary/journal style entries are perhaps more reflective of an objective truth - incidents are perhaps more likely to be recorded as they happened, as opposed to how Charles wants them to be perceived and/or interpreted. Another, and perhaps even more effective way, is to read between the lines, look beyond the meaning Charles clearly intends for a truth that emerges in spite of his intention to define it. This, in fact, is a key aspect of the play's purpose, and its theme exploring self-delusion. Views from the outside are almost always more accurate than those from the inside.

Setting

The novel is primarily set on the English coast, and an intriguing aspect to the novel is that it never defines which one (England, being on an island, has several.) As Charles repeatedly mentions the expanse of sea visible before him without any indication that France or Europe are on the other side of it (which he might conceivably do if he were on the east or south coasts,) the implication is that he's on the west coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean. The town near which Charles' house is situated, and which is also home to Hartley and her husband, seems typical of small fishing villages in the area - remote, unsophisticated, uncultured. This creates a "fish out of water" situation in which Charles does his best to not feel uncomfortable. This also creates a sense of isolation, that Charles has no alternative but to come face to face with...
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