Poetry · Chapter
The Sunset Gun explained
Sir Walter Turnbull, determined to fire a sunset gun precisely as the sun dips below the horizon, commands his crew to prepare the cannon.
What happens
Sir Walter Turnbull, determined to fire a sunset gun precisely as the sun dips below the horizon, commands his crew to prepare the cannon. When the sun sets, the gunner pulls the lanyard, but it breaks and no shot is fired. The sun, as if in defiance, rises back from the sea.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and Artifice
The attempt to control nature with a ceremonial cannon shot contrasts with the sun's independent, almost mocking return.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator describes the scene of Sir Walter Turnbull and the failed sunset gun.
Key passages
“Off Santa Cruz the western wave Was crimson as with blood: The sun was sinking to his grave Beneath that angry flood.”
The sea near Santa Cruz was red like blood as the sun set angrily into the water.
Opening imagery sets a dramatic, violent tone for the sunset.
“The lanyard in the gunner’s hand. Sir Walter waits the time. The glowing orb sinks in the sea, And clouds of steam aspire, Then fade, and the horizon’s free. Sir Walter thunders: “Fire!” The gunner pulls—the lanyard parts And not a sound ensues.”
The gunner holds the firing cord as Sir Walter waits. The sun disappears, steam rises and vanishes, and Sir Walter shouts 'Fire!' The gunner pulls, but the cord breaks and nothing happens.
Climactic moment where the ritual fails due to a broken lanyard.
“The sun, with visage stern and grave, Came back from out the flood.”
The sun, looking serious and solemn, rose again from the sea.
Personification of the sun returning, suggesting nature's refusal to be commanded.