"Sea
Fever" by John Masefield:
A line-by-line
explanation, summary and analysis
Summary and Analysis:
"Sea Fever" is a passionate ode to the
sea, where the speaker expresses an intense longing to return to the maritime
life. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each emphasizing different
aspects of the sea voyage.
Line-by-Line Explanation:
1. "I must go down to the seas again, to the
lonely sea and the sky": The speaker expresses a compelling need to return
to the vastness of the sea and sky, emphasizing a sense of solitude and
isolation.
2. "And all I ask is a tall ship and a star
to steer her by": The speaker desires the basics of traditional sailing—a
sturdy ship and celestial guidance, underscoring a preference for simplicity
and connection with nature.
3. "And the wheel's kick and the wind's song
and the white sail's shaking": These sensory descriptions convey the
physical experience of sailing, capturing the movement of the ship, the sound
of the wind, and the fluttering of sails.
4. "And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a
grey dawn breaking": The mention of mist and dawn adds atmospheric
elements, contributing to the vivid imagery of the sea voyage.
5. "For the call of the running tide / Is a
wild call and a clear call that may not be denied": The running tide
symbolizes a powerful and irresistible force, described as both wild and clear,
emphasizing its undeniable pull on the speaker.
6. "And all I ask is a windy day with the
white clouds flying, / And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the
sea-gulls crying": The speaker desires a dynamic and lively sea
experience, embracing the elements of wind, spray, and the cries of sea-gulls.
7. "To the vagrant gypsy life, / To the
gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife": The
sea is portrayed as a nomadic and adventurous lifestyle, navigating paths
followed by gulls and whales, with the wind depicted as sharp and precise.
8. "And all I ask is a merry yarn from a
laughing fellow-rover, / And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long
trick's over": The final stanza emphasizes the social aspect of sea life,
with the speaker seeking camaraderie and storytelling, followed by restful
sleep after the challenges of the journey.
Title Significance:
The title "Sea Fever" suggests a deep
emotional and spiritual connection to the sea. The term "fever"
implies a passionate longing or desire, setting the tone for a poem that
explores the speaker's profound yearning for the sea.
Important Phrases:
1. "I must go down to the seas again, to the
lonely sea and the sky": This opening line expresses the irresistible pull
of the sea, emphasizing the solitude and vastness of the ocean and sky.
2. "And all I ask is a tall ship and a star
to steer her by": The speaker desires a simple and traditional sailing
experience, highlighting the importance of a sturdy ship and celestial
navigation.
3. "And the wheel's kick and the wind's song
and the white sail's shaking": These vivid descriptions evoke the sensory
experiences of sailing, emphasizing the physical connection with the elements.
4. "Is a wild call and a clear call that may
not be denied": The running tide's call is portrayed as both wild and
clear, suggesting a primal and irresistible force drawing the speaker back to
the sea.
5. "To the gull's way and the whale's way
where the wind's like a whetted knife": This phrase captures the speaker's
desire for a nomadic and adventurous life, navigating the sea's paths with the
precision and sharpness of a knife.
6. "And all I ask is a merry yarn from a
laughing fellow-rover": Amid the sea's challenges, the speaker seeks
camaraderie and shared tales with fellow sailors, highlighting the social
aspect of the maritime life.
In conclusion, "Sea Fever" captures the
deep yearning of the speaker for the sea, combining sensory imagery, emotional
depth, and a sense of adventure in its exploration of the maritime experience.
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