Militarism (motif)
Moore uses a few militaristic words and images, including "phalanx" and "the firs stand in a procession." This connotes masculinity, which in turn links up with the descriptions of men engaged in classically male militaristic, speculative, and commercial activities (looking out to sea, lowering fishing nets). The procession of firs in particular suggests rigidity and self-importance; they are in contrast to the sensuality and mutability of the sea.
The Sea (symbol)
The sea is a potent symbol of death and of the general power of nature. First, it symbolizes death because it is violently powerful and blithely indifferent to the men who seek its riches and its secrets. It is a grave, a tomb. Second, it symbolizes the power of nature overall because, again, it cares nothing for man and does what it always does regardless of human preference or intervention.
Sea Creatures (motif)
There are several sea creatures described: the fish, the birds, the tortoise, and the water spiders. All of these creatures are the true inhabitants of the sea, and will likely endure long after the last man dips his nets and rows away. Their movement is organic, free; they do not presume to "stand in the middle of a thing." They thus contrast with the arrogant man/men.
