Silences by E. J. Pratt

There is no silence upon the earth or under the earth 

like the silence under the sea;

No cries announcing birth,

No sounds declaring death.

There is silence when the milt is laid on the spawn in the weeds and

fungus of the rock-clefts;

And silence in the growth and struggle for life.

The bonitoes pounce upon the mackerel,

And are themselves caught by the barracudas,

The sharks kill the barracudas

And the great molluscs rend the sharks,

And all noiselessly -

Though swift be the action and final the conflict,

The drama is silent.

 

There is no fury upon the earth like the fury under the sea.

For growl and cough and snarl are the tokens of spendthrifts who

know not the ultimate economy of rage.

Moreover, the pace of the blood is too fast.

But under the waves the blood is sluggard and has the same

temperature as that of the sea. 

There is something pre-reptilian about a silent kill. 

Two men may end their hostilities just with their battle-cries,

'The devil take you,' says one.

'I'll see you in hell first,' says the other.

And these introductory salutes followed by a hail of gutturals

and sibilants are often the beginning of friendship, for who would

not prefer to be lustily damned than to be half-heartedly blessed?

No one need fear oaths that are properly enunciated, for they

belong to the inheritance of just men made perfect, and, for all we

know, of such may be the Kingdom of Heaven.

But let silent hate be put away for it feeds upon the heart of the hater.

 

Today I watched two pairs of eyes. One pair was black and the

other grey. And while the owners thereof, for the space of five

seconds, walked past each other, the grey snapped at the black and

the black fiddled the grey.

One looked to say - 'The cat,'

And the other- 'The cur.'

But no words were spoken;

Not so much as a hiss or a murmur came through the perfect enamel

of the teeth; not so much as a gesture of enmity.

If the right upper lip curled over the canine, it went unnoticed.

The lashes veiled the eyes not for an instant in the passing.

And as between the two in respect to candour of intention or

eternity of wish, there was no choice, for the stare was mutual and

absolute.

A word would have dulled the exquisite edge of the feeling.

An oath would have flawed the crystallization of the hate.

For only such culture could grow in a climate of silence -

Away back before emergence of fur or feather, back to the unvocal

sea and down deep where the darkness spills its wash on the

threshold of light, where the lids never close upon the eyes, where

the inhabitants slay in silence and are as silently slain.

E. J. Pratt (1882–1964) –  

Edwin John Dove Pratt, popularly known as E. J. Pratt, was one of Canada's greatest poets and literary figures of the twentieth century. He was born on 4 February 1882 in Western Bay, Newfoundland (now part of Canada), and died on 26 April 1964 in Toronto, Ontario. Pratt is remembered for his narrative poems, his vivid descriptions of nature and the sea, and his philosophical reflections on human life. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Canadian poetry. 

 Summary of the poem "Silences" by E. J. Pratt

E. J. Pratt's Silences is a philosophical poem that explores the meaning of silence in nature and human life. At first glance, silence is often associated with peace, calmness, and harmony. However, Pratt challenges this common belief by presenting silence as a sign of hidden violence, suppressed emotions, and the primitive instincts that govern both animals and human beings. 

The poem is divided into three broad sections. The first focuses on the silent world beneath the sea, the second compares the nature of anger on land and in the ocean and the third connects the silent brutality of marine life with silent hatred among human beings.

The poem opens with the striking statement that there is no silence anywhere on earth equal to the silence beneath the sea. The poet immediately contrasts life on land with life underwater. On land, the birth of a child is celebrated with joyful cries, while death is accompanied by mourning and expressions of grief. 

Human life is filled with sounds that communicate happiness, sorrow, and emotion. Under the sea, however, no such sounds exist. Fish are born without cries, and they die without any expression of pain or mourning. The sea remains completely silent regardless of what takes place within it. By beginning the poem in this manner, Pratt establishes silence not as a symbol of peace but as a mysterious and unsettling force.

The poet then describes the reproduction of marine life. Fish lay eggs among seaweed, rocks, and underwater plants. Fertilization takes place quietly without any sound. As the eggs develop into living creatures, the process of growth also occurs in complete silence. Unlike human society, where every important event is marked by speech, celebration, or ceremony, the underwater world performs every biological function without noise. The silence becomes even more striking because it surrounds the entire cycle of life, from birth to maturity.

Pratt next shifts his attention to the struggle for survival in the ocean. He explains that marine creatures constantly hunt one another in an endless food chain. The bonito attacks and catches the mackerel. The bonito itself is then hunted by the barracuda. The barracuda is killed by the shark, while even the mighty shark is torn apart by giant molluscs. Each creature becomes both predator and prey. 

This illustrates the natural law that no living being is permanently powerful or permanently safe. Every creature survives only until a stronger one appears. The poet emphasizes that these violent encounters occur without any cries, screams, or sounds of battle. Although the attacks are swift and the outcomes are deadly, the entire drama unfolds in absolute silence. Pratt describes this as a silent drama because it contains all the elements of conflict, suspense, and death without producing any audible expression.

After presenting the silent violence beneath the sea, Pratt compares it with the behaviour of animals and human beings on land. He declares that there is no fury on earth greater than the fury beneath the sea. At first this seems surprising because the ocean appears calm on its surface. The poet explains that creatures on land often express anger through growling, barking, snarling, or roaring. These sounds are signs of uncontrolled emotion and wasted energy. Pratt calls such creatures "spendthrifts" because they waste their rage by expressing it loudly. Their anger is open, emotional, and noisy.

Marine creatures behave differently. Their blood moves slowly because it shares the cold temperature of the surrounding sea. As a result, they do not display emotional excitement before attacking. Instead, they remain calm, patient, and silent until the moment they strike. Their violence is not driven by passion but by instinct and necessity. The poet therefore suggests that true fury is not always loud. The most dangerous form of anger may be the one that remains silent and controlled until it acts.

Pratt then observes that there is something "pre-reptilian" about a silent kill. By using this expression, he refers to a period in evolution before reptiles appeared on Earth. He suggests that silent violence belongs to the earliest forms of life and has existed since the beginning of biological evolution. The instinct to kill quietly is older than civilization, language, and even many forms of animal life. The sea thus becomes a symbol of the primitive origins of existence where survival depends entirely on strength rather than morality.

The poem then moves from nature to human society. Pratt presents a situation in which two men exchange angry insults. One curses the other by saying, "The devil take you," while the other replies, "I'll see you in hell first." These words sound hostile, but the poet argues that such open expressions of anger are often harmless.

 People who openly express their emotions usually release their anger through speech. Once the emotion has been expressed, the hostility may disappear, and the individuals may even become friends. Pratt humorously remarks that loud curses are often less dangerous than polite words spoken without sincerity. Honest expressions of anger reveal genuine feelings and prevent bitterness from remaining hidden.

The poet warns readers not to fear openly spoken oaths because they belong to ordinary human communication. He even suggests that loud arguments can strengthen relationships by clearing misunderstandings. The real danger, according to Pratt, lies in silent hatred. Hidden resentment remains inside the heart and slowly grows stronger over time. Instead of disappearing, it poisons the person who carries it. Silent hatred harms both the victim and the one who hates. Pratt therefore advises that silent hatred should be abandoned because it feeds upon the heart of the hater.

To illustrate this idea, Pratt describes an incident that he personally witnessed. He watched two strangers pass each other. One had black eyes, while the other had grey eyes. As they crossed paths, they exchanged a cold and hostile stare. Neither person spoke a word. There were no insults, threats, or gestures. Outwardly they behaved with perfect self-control, yet their eyes revealed deep dislike. Their silence made their hatred more powerful than words could have done.

The poet imagines the thoughts hidden behind their expressions. One seemed ready to insult the other by calling him a cat, while the other seemed prepared to call his opponent a dog. Yet both remained silent. Even the smallest movement of the lips or eyes was barely noticeable. Their hatred existed entirely beneath the surface. Pratt explains that if either person had spoken, the emotional intensity would have been reduced. Words would have weakened the purity of their hatred. Likewise, an angry oath would have interrupted the silent concentration of their hostile feelings. Silence therefore preserves hatred in its strongest form.

In the final section of the poem, Pratt returns once more to the ancient world beneath the sea. He argues that this silent hatred originates from the earliest stages of evolution, before birds, mammals, or human beings existed. It belongs to the "unvocal sea," a place where creatures have never developed speech. 

In the dark depths of the ocean, where sunlight barely reaches and where animals never close their eyes, life continues according to the same ancient law of survival. Creatures kill silently and are themselves silently killed. The poem ends by connecting modern human behaviour with these primitive instincts. Although human beings possess language, civilization, and moral values, they still carry within themselves the silent hostility inherited from their earliest ancestors.

Overall, the poem "Silences" presents silence as something far more complex than the absence of sound. Pratt demonstrates that silence can hide violence, anger, hatred and the relentless struggle for survival. The poem suggests that loud expressions of emotion are often less harmful than feelings that remain hidden. Through vivid descriptions of marine life and thoughtful reflections on human psychology, Pratt reveals that beneath the appearance of calmness may exist the deepest forms of conflict. The sea becomes both a literal environment and a symbol of humanity's ancient instincts, reminding readers that the greatest dangers are often those that remain silent.

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Silence	Complete absence of sound; in the poem, it also symbolizes hidden violence and suppressed emotions.
Under the sea	The deep ocean, representing a world where life and death occur without noise.
Cries	Loud sounds expressing joy, pain, or emotion.
Announcing	Declaring or making something known.
Declaring	Openly stating or making something clear.
Milt	The sperm or reproductive fluid of a male fish used to fertilize eggs.
Spawn	The eggs of fish or other aquatic animals.
Weeds	Underwater plants or sea vegetation.
Fungus	A simple plant-like organism growing in damp places; here it refers to underwater fungal growth.
Rock-clefts	Narrow cracks or openings in rocks where fish lay their eggs.
Struggle for life	The continuous fight to survive in nature.
Bonito	A fast-swimming ocean fish that hunts smaller fish.
Mackerel	A small, oily sea fish that is prey for larger fish.
Pounce	To attack suddenly and forcefully.
Barracuda	A large, fierce predatory fish with sharp teeth.
Shark	A powerful carnivorous fish that hunts other sea creatures.
Mollusc	A soft-bodied sea animal such as an octopus, squid, or giant clam.
Rend	To tear apart violently.
Noiselessly	Without making any sound.
Swift	Very fast or quick.
Final	Bringing something to an end; decisive.
Conflict	A struggle or fight between opposing forces.
Drama	A series of important or intense events; here, the struggle for survival.
Fury	Extreme anger or violence.
Growl	A deep threatening sound made by animals.
Cough	A rough sound made by forcing air through the throat; used figuratively in the poem.
Snarl	A fierce growling sound showing anger.
Tokens	Signs or indications of something.
Spendthrifts	People who waste money or resources; here it means those who waste their anger through loud expression.
Ultimate	Greatest or highest.
Economy of rage	The careful and controlled use of anger without wasting it in loud expression.
Pace	Speed or rate of movement.
Sluggard	Slow-moving or lazy.
Temperature	Degree of heat or cold.
Pre-reptilian	Existing before reptiles evolved; belonging to a very ancient stage of life.
Hostilities	Acts of anger, conflict, or opposition.
Battle-cries	Loud shouts made before or during a fight.
Devil	The symbol of evil; used as a curse in the poem.
Hell	A place of punishment in Christian belief; here used as an angry expression.
Introductory	Beginning or opening.
Salutes	Greetings; here used humorously for insults exchanged before a fight.
Hail	A series or shower of words or sounds.
Gutturals	Harsh sounds produced from the throat.
Sibilants	Hissing sounds such as "s" or "sh."
Lustily	Loudly, energetically, or with great force.
Damned	Condemned or cursed.
Half-heartedly	Without sincerity or enthusiasm.
Blessed	Given divine favour or goodness.
Oaths	Strong or offensive swear words.
Properly enunciated	Spoken clearly and distinctly.
Inheritance	Something passed down from previous generations.
Candour	Honesty and openness.
Eternity	Endless time; lasting forever.
Wish	Desire or intention.
Silent hate	Hidden hatred that is not openly expressed.
Feeds upon	Gradually destroys or consumes from within.
Pair of eyes	Refers to a person's gaze or expression.
Grey	A colour; in the poem it identifies one person's eyes.
Black	A colour; in the poem it identifies another person's eyes.
Cat	Used metaphorically as an insult suggesting slyness or arrogance.
Cur	An insulting word meaning a worthless or cowardly dog.
Hiss	A sharp sound expressing anger or dislike.
Murmur	A soft, low, indistinct sound.
Enamel	The smooth white outer covering of the teeth.
Gesture	A movement expressing a feeling or intention.
Canine	The pointed tooth beside the incisors.
Lashes	Eyelashes.
Veiled	Covered or hidden.
Stare	A fixed, intense look.
Mutual	Shared by both sides.
Absolute	Complete or total.
Dulled	Made less sharp or less intense.
Exquisite	Extremely fine, delicate, or intense.
Edge	Sharpness or intensity.
Flawed	Spoiled or made imperfect.
Crystallization	Becoming fixed, clear, and fully formed.
Culture	A condition or environment in which something develops.
Climate	Surrounding conditions that allow something to grow.
Emergence	The process of coming into existence.
Fur	Hair covering the bodies of mammals.
Feather	The body covering of birds.
Unvocal	Without speech or voice.
Darkness	Absence of light; symbolizes mystery and the unknown.
Threshold	The boundary or meeting point between two places or states.
Inhabitants	Living creatures occupying a place.
Slay	To kill violently.

Important Phrases and Their Meanings

• The drama is silent – The struggle for survival happens without any sound.
• The ultimate economy of rage – The most effective anger is controlled rather than loudly expressed.
• There is something pre-reptilian about a silent kill – Silent violence is ancient and instinctive, dating back to the earliest forms of life.
• Silent hate feeds upon the heart of the hater – Hidden hatred harms the person who holds it.
• The stare was mutual and absolute – Both people hated each other equally and completely.
• A word would have dulled the exquisite edge of the feeling – Speaking would have weakened the intensity of their hatred.
• The unvocal sea – The speechless underwater world where survival depends on silent instinct rather than language.
• Where the inhabitants slay in silence and are as silently slain – Life in the sea is an endless cycle of silent killing and silent death.