Oread / the speaker
An oread is known in Greek mythology as a mountain nymph, and has roots in the Hellenistic period. The title of the poem is "Oread," so one might presume that the speaker is a mountain nymph, addressing the sea that laps at the base of the mountain. While the reader does not know much for certain, he or she can observe that the nymph longs for contact, feels a oneness with her coast and its inhabitants, and views the ocean (or the love object it symbolizes) with reverence.
The sea
The speaker, likely an oread, addresses the sea—which is described using a metaphor of pine trees, possibly due to their similar color and strength. Many critics have suggested that the longing of the speaker to be overtaken by the waves is an allegory for a sexual encounter, or sexual desire in general, in which case the sea would represent physical and mental aspects of such an act. The beauty and unstoppable grandeur of the rolling waves could, therefore, represent the traits of a coveted romantic partner, waves of sensual pleasure, or a fierce longing to be touched and overtaken.
