The narrator compares the sea to an elusive lover for several reasons. First, the sea is portrayed as a powerful, captivating force that draws the narrator in and arouses intense emotions, just as a passionate love affair might do. The narrator is mesmerized by the sea's beauty, its vastness, and its constant movement, which mirrors the ebb and flow of human emotions.
Second, the sea is depicted as unpredictable and ever-changing, much like a lover's moods and behaviors. The narrator describes the sea as "Protean," a reference to the Greek god Proteus, who could change his shape at will. This changeability reflects the narrator's own emotional turmoil and the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany a passionate relationship.
Third, the sea is described as both alluring and dangerous, echoing the complex and sometimes perilous nature of romantic love. The narrator feels a strong connection to the sea, but he is also aware of its potential for destruction. Just as a lover can be both a source of joy and pain, the sea can bring both exhilaration and despair.
Finally, the narrator compares the sea to an elusive lover because he feels a profound longing for it, but he knows that he can never fully possess or understand it. This unattainability mirrors the bittersweet nature of love, where the desire to be fully united with the beloved can never be fully satisfied.
By comparing the sea to an elusive lover, Banville creates a powerful metaphor that captures the narrator's intense emotional journey and his search for meaning and fulfillment in a world that is both beautiful and enigmatic.