Storms

Storms symbolize danger and rapid change. They are the opposite of calms – a time when nothing changes, but which brings danger of its own. Storms are unpredictable and cannot be controlled.

The Calm

A central symbol in the poem, the calm symbolizes the dangers of inertia. A "calm," in nautical terms, is a time when there is neither wind nor water. If it lasts too long, it will be fatal to voyagers, as they cannot progress towards their destination. This symbolizes a similar possibility of becoming inert in one's spiritual progress.

Glass

Glass represents ease. In the early modern English, "glass" usually referred specifically to a mirror. It is referred to here to describe the calm seas, emphasizing the safety and ease but also the stasis associated with looking glasses.

Islands

Islands represent safety and protection. At sea, coming upon an island can mean a refuge...