About the Shark, phlegmatical one,
Pale sot of the Maldive sea
Though the title is “The Maldive Shark” after these opening two lines, the shark becomes merely a co-star or even a supporting character. The poem introduces its title character quickly and efficiently with a description painting a picture of a big white apathetic fish swimming almost drunkenly through the waters.
The sleek little pilot-fish, azure and slim,
How alert in attendance be.
In stark contrast to the shark is the second character introduced, the quick-witted, small blue pilot-fish. The contrast is also painted quickly and efficiently, thus creating a contrast which will drive the poem to its conclusion.
And there find a haven when peril’s abroad
An asylum in the jaws of the Fates!
What is the relationship of the quick flitting pilot-fish to the lumbering shark? Amazing, the shark’s mouth, filled with sharp teeth, becomes the safest place in the ocean for the little fish as he takes refuge inside the shark’s mouth to escape predators.
They are friends; and friendly they guide him to prey
Well, not really friends, perhaps, but certainly they have developed a unique symbiotic relationship. The shark provides a haven for the pilot-fish while the pilot-fish seeking refuge alerts the shark to the presence of food.
Eyes and brains to the dotar lethargic and dull,
Pale ravener of horrible meat.
For the sake of the poem’s symbolism, yes, the pilot-fish is the eyes and brain leading the dull-witted shark to food. Scientifically, of course, this is now how the relationship actually works. But then the poem is not intended to be a lesson in fish behavior. It is far more concerned with the similar behavior of certain humans.
