Gift From The Sea

Gift from the Sea can, in several ways, be understood as an example of nonfiction inspirational literature. Inspirational literature differs from standard nonfiction in that it does not attempt to merely describe or analyze certain phenomena. Rather, it also aims to inspire the reader to effect positive change in their lives. This can be seen in the goal of Gift from the Sea. While analyzing and criticizing the superficiality of modern life, it seeks to provoke in the reader a desire to pursue something different. As such, it appeals to the reader’s emotions as well as trying to convince them on a rational level through arguments. Thus, in a related way, inspirational literature differs from “self-help” or “self-improvement” literature. Self-help works typically outline rational precepts that, when followed, purport to help generate improvements in aspects of the reader’s life. In contrast, inspirational literature like Gift from the Sea does not straightforwardly offer any “rules” for achieving change in one’s life. Instead, it appeals to one's affect, or emotional response, to elicit a more general desire for change while leaving the precise methods for and goals of this change open-ended.

Due to this emphasis on the emotions, inspirational literature also often uses language in a different way from standard nonfiction or self-help. The latter generally employs language in an objective prose style, attempting to convey ideas directly and soberly. In contrast, inspirational literature uses language in a more poetic and indirect manner, employing rhythm and metaphor to affect the reader on a more immediate and personal level. Such methods are clearly present in Gift from the Sea. The poetic cadences of the writing and the use of shells and the beach as metaphors are intended to evoke in the reader the sense of tranquility that might be achieved through a new way of life.

The same is true of the authorial voice and the presence of the author herself. Standard nonfiction is usually written from a third-person perspective, with the author’s life and personality in the background. Contrastingly, with inspirational literature, the author’s personality and story are foregrounded. Written from a first-person perspective, Gift from the Sea foregrounds both the contours of Lindbergh’s life and the journey of self-discover that she undergoes in her time by the sea. In this way, she hopes to inspire readers to reflect on their own lives. By showing how such a change is possible and connecting emotionally with them, Lindbergh aims to inspire readers to pursue their own journeys of self-transformation and discovery.