1. The Burden of History and Identity: The poem grapples with the weight of colonial past and its lingering impact on the present. Walcott uses the imagery of a "sunken island" to represent the Caribbean's history of slavery and oppression, and the "old history" that "lies in wait" for the speaker. This is further emphasized by the "shadow" of "a lost language" - a reminder of the cultural erasure that colonialism brought.
2. The Search for Self and Belonging: The speaker struggles with his own identity, questioning his place in the world and the meaning of his existence. He yearns for a sense of belonging, but feels alienated by his mixed heritage and the clashing influences of his past. This is reflected in the poem's recurring motif of "drowning" and the desire to find "a shore."
3. The Power of Language and Art: Walcott uses language as a tool to explore his identity and history. He draws on the "myth" of the "old world" and the "new world" to create a unique blend of European and Caribbean influences. This artistic fusion allows him to reclaim his heritage and give voice to his experiences.
4. The Cycle of Life and Death: The poem also deals with the inevitability of death and its relationship to the cycle of life. The "sunken island" represents both the physical land and the past, while the "ocean" symbolizes the vastness of time and the ever-present possibility of oblivion. The speaker is aware of his own mortality, but also finds hope in the "green island" that "rises" again.
5. Reconciliation and Forgiveness: While the poem acknowledges the pain of the past, it also suggests the possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness. The speaker recognizes the need to "learn" from his history and to find "a lesson" in the "sunken island." This implies a desire to move beyond the past and embrace a more hopeful future.
These themes are interwoven throughout the poem, creating a complex and nuanced exploration of identity, history, and the human condition. It is a poem that invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the complexities of belonging in a world shaped by history and the ever-present tension between the past and the present.