“On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce

“On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce first appeared in 1907 as part of his poetry collection Chamber Music. The poem embodies the delicate and evocative qualities characteristic of Joyce’s early poetic style, where he uses soft, musical language to capture a moment of serene intimacy. It depicts the tranquil experience of lovers enjoying a quiet moment by the sea, with imagery that evokes a sense of gentle romance and reflection. The main idea centers around the fleeting yet profound beauty of human connection, expressed through a tender, melodic depiction of nature and love.

Text: “On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce

Wind whines and whines the shingle,

The crazy pierstakes groan;
A senile sea numbers each single
Slimesilvered stone.

From whining wind and colder
Grey sea I wrap him warm
And touch his trembling fineboned shoulder
And boyish arm.

Around us fear, descending
Darkness of fear above
And in my heart how deep unending
Ache of love!

Annotations: “On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce

Line	Annotation
Wind whines and whines the shingle,	The repetition of “whines” emphasizes the persistent, almost irritating sound of the wind. “Shingle” refers to the pebbled shore, evoking an abrasive, bleak atmosphere.
The crazy pierstakes groan;	The “pierstakes” are personified as “crazy” and “groan,” suggesting instability, weariness, and decay, contributing to a sense of unease.
A senile sea numbers each single	The sea is described as “senile,” portraying it as old and feeble, which suggests futility and weariness. It “numbers” the stones, implying repetitive and pointless action.
Slimesilvered stone.	“Slimesilvered” combines “slime” and “silvered,” suggesting both beauty and repulsiveness. The alliteration with ‘s’ creates a hissing, eerie effect.
From whining wind and colder	The “whining wind” continues the auditory imagery, emphasizing the harshness of the environment. “Colder” suggests a worsening of conditions, increasing the sense of discomfort.
Grey sea I wrap him warm	The “grey sea” reinforces the bleak imagery. The speaker’s action of wrapping “him” in warmth contrasts the harsh external environment, suggesting tenderness and care.
And touch his trembling fineboned shoulder	“Trembling” conveys vulnerability, while “fineboned” suggests delicacy. The gesture of touching the shoulder emphasizes the speaker’s affectionate, protective nature.
And boyish arm.	“Boyish arm” indicates youth and innocence, reinforcing the vulnerability of the figure and deepening the emotional connection between the speaker and the boy.
Around us fear, descending	“Fear” is depicted as something physical, “descending” around them, suggesting an encroaching sense of danger or insecurity, adding tension to the scene.
Darkness of fear above	The “darkness of fear above” implies that the fear is looming over them, creating an atmosphere of claustrophobia and psychological pressure.
And in my heart how deep unending	The speaker shifts focus inward, expressing a profound and intense emotional experience. “Deep unending” suggests the vastness of the speaker’s love, filled with longing.
Ache of love!	The “ache of love” conveys the intensity and pain of the speaker’s emotions. “Ache” suggests longing and sorrow, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of love.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce

Literary Device	Definition	Example from the Text	Explanation
Alliteration	Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.	“Wind whines and whines”	The repetition of ‘w’ creates an auditory effect, emphasizing the persistence of the wind.
Assonance	Repetition of vowel sounds within words.	“Ache of love”	The repetition of the ‘a’ sound creates a melancholic tone, reinforcing the emotional intensity.
Consonance	Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words.	“trembling fineboned shoulder”	The repeated ‘n’ and ‘m’ sounds enhance the gentle, intimate feeling of the speaker’s touch.
Enjambment	Continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line.	“From whining wind and colder / Grey sea”	The lack of punctuation at the end of the line creates a flow, mirroring the continuity of the wind and sea.
Imagery	Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.	“Slimesilvered stone”	This visual imagery helps the reader picture the slimy, shiny stones on the shore, mixing beauty with decay.
Irony	A contrast between expectations and reality.	“A senile sea”	The sea, typically seen as powerful, is described as “senile,” which is ironic, suggesting weakness and decay.
Juxtaposition	Placement of two contrasting elements together.	“Wind whines” and “wrap him warm”	The harshness of the wind contrasts with the warmth of the speaker’s affection, highlighting the tension between the environment and human connection.
Metaphor	A figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true.	“A senile sea”	The sea is compared to an old person, emphasizing weariness and decline.
Mood	The emotional atmosphere created by the text.	“Around us fear, descending / Darkness of fear above”	The mood is one of tension and fear, amplified by the imagery of darkness and the descending sense of dread.
Onomatopoeia	A word that phonetically imitates the sound it describes.	“whines”	The word “whines” mimics the high-pitched, unpleasant sound of the wind, enhancing auditory imagery.
Oxymoron	A figure of speech in which two seemingly contradictory terms appear together.	“Ache of love”	Love is often seen as positive, but the word “ache” adds a painful dimension, creating an oxymoron.
Personification	Attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities.	“The crazy pierstakes groan”	The pierstakes are given human qualities, such as groaning, which conveys a sense of strain and age.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.	“Wind whines and whines”	The repeated “whines” emphasizes the persistence of the sound, creating a sense of irritation.
Sensory Imagery	Language that appeals to one or more of the senses.	“touch his trembling fineboned shoulder”	This tactile imagery helps the reader feel the speaker’s tender touch, emphasizing vulnerability.
Simile	A comparison using “like” or “as.”	(None explicitly, but implied comparisons)	While not directly present, implied comparisons like “wrap him warm” suggest a protective action akin to wrapping a blanket.
Symbolism	Use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities.	“Darkness of fear above”	Darkness symbolizes the fear and insecurity that envelops the speaker and the boy.
Synecdoche	A part is used to represent the whole or vice versa.	“boyish arm”	The arm represents the entire boy, emphasizing his youth and vulnerability.
Tone	The writer’s attitude towards the subject.	“How deep unending / Ache of love”	The tone is affectionate but melancholic, reflecting both the intensity and pain of love.
Understatement	Presentation of something as being smaller or less significant than it is.	“wrap him warm”	The simple action of wrapping is understated compared to the intense fear surrounding them.
Visual Imagery	Descriptive language that creates visual images in the reader’s mind.	“Grey sea”	The “grey sea” helps the reader visualize the bleak, cold environment, contributing to the atmosphere.

Themes: “On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce

• Nature’s Indifference: The theme of nature’s indifference to human experience is prevalent throughout the poem. Joyce portrays the environment as harsh and detached, emphasizing the disconnection between human emotions and the natural world. Phrases like “Wind whines and whines the shingle” and “A senile sea numbers each single / Slimesilvered stone” depict nature as relentless and unfeeling. The “senile sea” is described as old and weary, without any care for the warmth or emotions of those present. This imagery suggests that nature, regardless of human experiences, continues in its cycles, indifferent to personal struggles.
• Love and Protection: Amidst the hostile environment, the speaker’s protective love becomes a central theme, emphasizing the warmth and tenderness that exist in stark contrast to the coldness of nature. The lines “From whining wind and colder / Grey sea I wrap him warm” show the speaker’s attempt to shield the boy from the elements, indicating a deep sense of care and affection. The intimate gesture of touching “his trembling fineboned shoulder / And boyish arm” further highlights the speaker’s desire to comfort and protect the vulnerable figure. Love, in this context, becomes a refuge from the harshness of the external world.
• Vulnerability and Fear: The poem also explores themes of vulnerability and fear, which are closely tied to the setting and the relationship between the characters. The “trembling fineboned shoulder” and the “boyish arm” emphasize the fragility of the person being protected, underscoring their vulnerability in the face of an unforgiving environment. The descent of “fear” and the “darkness of fear above” create an atmosphere of looming danger, suggesting that fear is an almost physical presence surrounding them. This sense of fear serves to heighten the contrast between the protective actions of the speaker and the overwhelming power of nature.
• The Ache of Love: The paradoxical nature of love is another prominent theme, explored through the juxtaposition of tenderness and pain. In the final stanza, the speaker reveals the “deep unending / Ache of love,” expressing how love is both beautiful and painful. The word “ache” suggests longing and emotional discomfort, indicating that love is not just about warmth and protection but also about an underlying sense of sorrow or unfulfilled desire. The poem conveys that love, even when tender and protective, can bring about an emotional ache that endures, much like the unrelenting wind and waves that surround them.

Literary Theories and “On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce

Literary Theory	Explanation	References from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory	This theory explores the unconscious desires, fears, and emotions of characters and authors, often drawing from Freudian concepts.	The “deep unending / Ache of love” suggests complex emotions, indicating the speaker’s deep attachment mixed with anxiety and longing. The “descending / Darkness of fear” also hints at internal fears and vulnerabilities.
New Criticism	Focuses on the text itself, analyzing the use of literary devices, themes, and language without external context.	The use of literary devices such as alliteration (“Wind whines and whines”), personification (“The crazy pierstakes groan”), and imagery (“Slimesilvered stone”) highlights the poem’s craftsmanship and attention to language.
Ecocriticism	Examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment, exploring how nature is depicted and how it interacts with human elements.	The “whining wind,” “senile sea,” and “grey sea” depict nature as harsh, cold, and indifferent, emphasizing the tension between the natural world and human vulnerability. The speaker’s attempts to wrap “him warm” reflect a human effort to resist nature’s harshness.

Critical Questions about “On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce

• How does Joyce use imagery to contrast human warmth with the indifferent natural world?
• Joyce employs vivid imagery to highlight the tension between human warmth and the harsh, indifferent natural environment. The description of the “whining wind” and the “senile sea” emphasizes a bleak and almost hostile natural setting, while the speaker’s actions—”wrap him warm” and “touch his trembling fineboned shoulder”—reflect a tender, protective gesture. This juxtaposition between the relentless, cold elements of nature and the speaker’s warmth emphasizes the fragile and ephemeral nature of human affection when faced with the vast, uncaring forces of the environment.
• What role does fear play in shaping the atmosphere of the poem?
• Fear is a pervasive element in the poem, contributing significantly to its atmosphere of vulnerability and tension. The “darkness of fear above” and “fear, descending” suggest a looming presence that surrounds the speaker and the boy, evoking a sense of impending danger or insecurity. This fear seems to be both external, as suggested by the threatening elements of the natural setting, and internal, as reflected in the speaker’s emotional state. The descending darkness not only intensifies the physical atmosphere but also mirrors the emotional turmoil experienced by the speaker, adding to the poem’s overall sense of unease.
• How does Joyce depict vulnerability in “On the Beach at Fontana”?
• Joyce vividly portrays vulnerability through the characterization of the boy and the speaker’s protective actions. The boy is described with phrases like “trembling fineboned shoulder” and “boyish arm,” which emphasize his physical fragility and youth. The speaker’s protective gesture—”I wrap him warm”—reveals an attempt to shield the boy from the cold, indifferent world around them. The vulnerability depicted here is both physical, in terms of protection from the cold wind, and emotional, as the speaker’s love is underscored by a sense of anxiety and an “ache” that suggests concern and helplessness in the face of a powerful, uncaring nature.
• What does the “ache of love” represent in the poem?
• The phrase “ache of love” encapsulates the paradoxical nature of love as both a source of warmth and a cause of pain. The word “ache” conveys an emotional depth that suggests longing, melancholy, and perhaps a sense of unfulfilled desire. The speaker’s deep affection for the boy is evident in his protective actions, but the ache also indicates an awareness of the impermanence and difficulty of maintaining such love in an unforgiving world. The “deep unending” ache reflects the duality of love—its tenderness and its inherent vulnerability—highlighting the speaker’s struggle to hold onto an intimate connection in the face of external fears and challenges.

Literary Works Similar to “On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce

1. “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold
   Both poems explore themes of love amidst a bleak and indifferent natural landscape, emphasizing the need for human connection against the harshness of the environment.
2. “Meeting at Night” by Robert Browning
   This poem shares the themes of love and intimacy set against a vivid natural backdrop, with the speaker overcoming the challenges of the external environment to reach a loved one.
3. “Sea Fever” by John Masefield
   Like Joyce’s poem, “Sea Fever” captures the power and presence of the sea, evoking its restless energy and its impact on human emotions.
4. “Break, Break, Break” by Alfred Lord Tennyson
   Tennyson’s poem, like Joyce’s, uses the imagery of the sea to reflect themes of loss and longing, emphasizing the juxtaposition of human emotion against nature’s indifference.
5. “When You Are Old” by W.B. Yeats
   Both poems convey the melancholic aspects of love, highlighting tenderness mixed with an underlying sense of loss and vulnerability.

Representative Quotations of “On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Wind whines and whines the shingle”	The poem opens with the repetition of “whines,” establishing an eerie and persistent sound of the wind interacting with the shore.	Ecocriticism: Highlights the harsh, relentless force of nature that affects the human psyche.
“The crazy pierstakes groan;”	The pierstakes are personified, groaning under the force of the sea, suggesting a sense of decay and weariness.	New Criticism: Focus on the vivid use of personification to reflect nature’s hostile power.
“A senile sea numbers each single”	The sea is described as “senile,” emphasizing its weariness and monotonous action, contrasting with typical images of a powerful sea.	Psychoanalytic Theory: The senile sea may symbolize a sense of futility and emotional decay.
“Slimesilvered stone.”	The imagery here combines beauty (“silvered”) with unpleasantness (“slime”), creating a complex visual representation of the shoreline.	New Criticism: Reflects the contrasting aspects of beauty and decay present in the natural world.
“From whining wind and colder / Grey sea I wrap him warm”	The speaker attempts to shield the boy from the hostile environment, conveying themes of care and protection.	Feminist Theory: Emphasizes the nurturing aspect of the speaker, presenting care in a harsh context.
“And touch his trembling fineboned shoulder”	The speaker’s intimate action of touching the boy’s shoulder suggests tenderness and vulnerability.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Represents the need for human connection and the vulnerability of love.
“And boyish arm.”	The boy’s arm is described as “boyish,” indicating youth and innocence, which contrasts with the harsh environment.	New Historicism: The depiction of innocence set against an indifferent world reflects historical struggles of individuals against larger forces.
“Around us fear, descending”	The imagery of “fear, descending” implies an overwhelming presence, creating an atmosphere of impending danger.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Reflects the internal fear and anxiety experienced by the speaker, mirroring subconscious insecurities.
“Darkness of fear above”	Fear is metaphorically described as darkness, indicating a sense of looming danger over the characters.	Ecocriticism: Highlights the interplay between the natural setting and the emotional state of the characters.
“And in my heart how deep unending / Ache of love!”	The poem closes with the speaker’s expression of an intense, enduring emotional pain associated with love.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Emphasizes the paradoxical nature of love as both deeply fulfilling and painful.

Suggested Readings: “On the Beach at Fontana” by James Joyce

1. Hendry, Irene. “Joyce’s Epiphanies.” The Sewanee Review, vol. 54, no. 3, 1946, pp. 449–67. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27537675. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.
2. Rocco-Bergera, Niny. “James Joyce and Trieste.” James Joyce Quarterly, vol. 9, no. 3, 1972, pp. 342–49. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25486995. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.
3. Malamud, Randy. “‘What the Heart Is’: Interstices of Joyce’s Poetry and Fiction.” South Atlantic Review, vol. 64, no. 1, 1999, pp. 91–101. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3201746. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.
4. Joyce, James. “On the Beach at Fontana.” Poetry 11.2 (1917): 70-70.