How is loss the central theme of the poem? Why is it important to remember these men? How is the environment essential? What is the poem warning us as individuals?

The ballad, “The Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot expresses the themes of loss and environment. The poem is about a freighter boat that sinks during it’s journey across Lake Superior. The cause of the boat’s sinking is from the from the early storms on the lake: ” The good ship and crew was a bone to be chewed / When the gales of November came early” (Lightfoot, 7-8). It shows how the death of twenty-nine people could affect so many more. There were many people who went to go pray for the sailors in the maritime sailors’ cathedral. Even though there are some people that may not have any connection to the sailors, people would still care about the lives that have been lost:  “The church bell chimed till it rang twenty-nine times / for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald” (Lightfoot, 51-52). They would respect the lives of the people who were lost and help the families and others who were affected. The power of the church bell shows the importance of the event and how everyone is paying their respects towards the families.

The environment is a key factor in the poem because it caused the boat to sink. The environment demonstrates the consequences of people who aren’t ready for what is to come to them. As the sailors were unaware of the storm that would be coming early, they didn’t prepare for it: “And a wave broke over the railing / And every man knew, as the captain did too, / T’was the witch of November come stealin'” (Lightfoot, 18-20). The message being conveyed is that one should prepare well for long trips, as they won’t know what would be coming for them. Next time, you should be prepared for anything that might happen, and, try to foresee what will come so you’ll have a better plan.