Narrator, “The Castaway”
The narrator of this poem is an omniscient observer, who is re-telling the story of the drowned man for the readers. The narrator follows the drowning man as he is swept from the ship and as he fights for his life among the waves. Ultimately, the narrator uses this man’s story to push his agenda and beliefs regarding life and death. The narrator believes that humans can only rely upon themselves for, in the end, we are all alone in death. Therefore, the narrator of this poem uses this poetry and the dead man’s story to caution his readers against finding solace in the comfort of others.
The Castaway, “The Castaway”
The protagonist of this poem, who is described by the narrator, is used for the sole purpose of pushing the narrator’s belief that humans can only rely upon their own inhibitions and strength. The castaway, who is never named or described in great details, is afloat in the ocean after being washed from the deck of the ship he was on. As the floats in the waves, the castaway comes to realize that death is inevitable. He does not blame his crewmates, nor his family or friends for his demise. Rather, he accepts his solidarity in death and dies alone.
Narrator, “The Negro’s Complaint”
The narrator of this poem—likely an extension of Cowper himself—reflects upon and shares his firsthand experiences with slavery. The narrator emphasizes the intellectual freedom he felt during slavery, even though his body was physically enslaved. He explains that slave owners, despite their cruelty and lack of compassion, cannot enslave one’s mind or thoughts and so, in this way, the narrator feels that he was free to think whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. This is the only way the narrator was capable of finding solace and peace throughout his time as a slave.
Slave Owners, “The Negro’s Complaint”
The narrator of this poem uses the poetry to attempt to reason with the slave-owners that so cruelly and sinfully captured and enslaved his life and soul. These owners are characterized as being English and uncommonly heartless. According to the narrator, the slave owners take pleasure in beating the salves and diminishing their sense of humanity. In this way, the slave owners have shamed themselves in the eyes of God, for they have completely lost touch with God’s messages of love, compassion, and gentility.
God, “The Negro’s Complaint”
Though God does not feature prominently in this poem, He is introduced by the narrator for the purpose of highlighting just how much the slave owners have lost touch with reality and the gospel. According to the narrator, God would weep at the sight of humans enslaving, torturing, and degrading other humans. The narrator depicts God as being ashamed of his creation. It is suggested that God will punish the slave-owners after their death, for He never intended that humans could possibly enslave and abuse other humans.
