“Sea Fever” by John Mansfield

 

“Sea Fever” by John Mansfield

Summary: "Sea Fever" is a poem where the speaker expresses a deep desire to return to the sea. The speaker longs for the freedom of the open ocean, craving the simple life aboard a ship, with the wind, the sky, and the waves. The poem captures the adventurous spirit and the natural beauty of the sea, as well as the speaker’s connection to it. The speaker imagines the excitement of the wild sea journey and the sense of peace it brings, suggesting that the sea is where the speaker truly belongs.

 

Analysis of "Sea Fever":

The poem reflects Masefield’s deep love for the sea and his yearning for adventure. The repetition of “I must go down to the seas again” shows the speaker’s irresistible pull toward the ocean, as though life on land cannot satisfy him. The sea represents both freedom and a challenge, with its vast, untamed nature. The poem’s rhythm mirrors the movement of the waves, creating a musical quality that evokes the motion of the sea. It also highlights the theme of escapism, where the speaker seeks liberation from the pressures of life by returning to nature.

 

Explanation of Important Lines

 

1. “I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky”

 

This line expresses the speaker’s strong desire to return to the sea, where he feels free and connected to nature. The use of "lonely" suggests that the sea offers solitude and peace.

 

2. “And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by”

 

The speaker desires nothing more than a simple ship and a guiding star, symbolizing the basic, natural elements needed for a life of adventure and exploration.

 

3. “And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking”

 

This line captures the sensory experiences of being at sea. The “wheel’s kick” refers to the ship’s steering wheel moving due to the force of the sea. The “wind’s song” is the sound of the wind blowing through the sails, and the “white sail’s shaking” refers to the sail fluttering as the wind fills it. Together, they evoke the excitement and movement of a sea voyage.

 

4. “And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking”

 

This imagery highlights the beauty of the sea at dawn. The "grey mist" on the "sea’s face" describes the fog that often covers the ocean’s surface in the early morning. The "grey dawn breaking" signifies the start of a new day, symbolizing hope and the beginning of a new adventure.

 

5. “I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide”

 

The phrase “call of the running tide” personifies the tide, suggesting that the sea is calling the speaker back. This line emphasizes the speaker’s deep, instinctive longing to return to the sea, as if it is pulling him back.

 

6. “Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied”

 

The “wild” and “clear” call refers to the irresistible pull of the sea, which is powerful and undeniable. The speaker cannot ignore this call, symbolizing a deep inner connection with the sea.

 

7. “And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying”

 

Ø  “Flung spray” and “blown spume” describe the water being thrown into the air as waves crash against the ship.

Ø  The crying of the sea-gulls adds to the natural sounds of the sea, immersing the reader in the dynamic and lively atmosphere of the ocean.

 

8. “To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife”

 

Ø  “The gull’s way and the whale’s way” represent the freedom of the birds and marine life at sea, showing the wild, untamed nature of the ocean.

Ø  The simile “where the wind’s like a whetted knife” emphasizes the sharp, cutting nature of the wind at sea, highlighting both the beauty and harshness of the ocean environment.

 

9. “And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over”

 

The speaker hopes for rest and peace after the journey, suggesting that after facing life’s challenges, he seeks comfort and fulfillment.

 

** These phrases reinforce the poem’s theme of longing for adventure and freedom at sea. They evoke vivid images and sounds of the ocean, portraying both its challenges and its allure, while also reflecting the speaker's deep emotional connection to the sea.

 

Title Significance:

The title "Sea Fever" reflects the speaker’s intense, almost uncontrollable desire to return to the sea. The word “fever” implies a deep yearning or obsession, suggesting that the speaker feels incomplete and restless without the sea. The sea is not just a physical place, but a calling that the speaker feels compelled to answer, highlighting the strong emotional connection to the sea.

 

 

 

 

 

Questionnaire from ABTA Test Paper:

 

Page: 115

 

1. What kind of a day does the poet prefer for his journey to the sea?

Ans: The poet prefers a windy day with white clouds flying for his journey.

 

2. Why does the speaker use the word ‘lonely’ to describe the sea and the sky?

Ans: The speaker uses the word ‘lonely’ to show the vast, empty, and peaceful space of the sea and sky, which gives a sense of solitude.

 

Page: 163

 

1. What does the poet seek from his fellow-rover?

Ans: The poet seeks merry companionship and laughter from his fellow-rover.

 

2. What may not be denied?

Ans: The call of the sea, which is wild and clear, may not be denied by the poet.

 

Page: 186

 

1. What does the poet require to go down to the sea in the first two stanzas?

Ans: The poet requires a tall ship, a star to steer by, and a windy day to go down to the sea.

 

2. Who are calling?

Ans: The sea-gulls, the wind, and the running tide of the sea are calling the poet.

 

Page: 236

 

1. Why does the poet want to go down to the sea again?

Ans: The poet wants to go down to the sea again because of his deep love for the freedom and adventure it offers.

 

2. What does the poet ask for his sea voyage in the 1st stanza?

Ans: The poet asks for a tall ship and a star to steer by in the first stanza.

 

Page: 333

 

1. What things does the poet want for going on a sea voyage?

Ans: The poet wants a tall ship, a star, and a windy day for going on a sea voyage.

 

2. What birds and animals can the poet see during his journey?

Ans: The poet can see sea-gulls during his journey and imagines the presence of whales.

Page: 355

 

1. Who are calling the poet to go down to the seas again?

Ans: The sea-gulls, the wind, and the running tide are calling the poet to go down to the seas again.

 

2. What kind of day does the poet prefer for sailing?

Ans: The poet prefers a windy day with white clouds flying for sailing.

 

Page: 518

 

1. What does the poet want to go to the sea again?

Ans: The poet wants to experience the freedom, adventure, and natural beauty of the sea again.

 

2. Along with a windy day, what does the poet want during his voyage?

Ans: Along with a windy day, the poet wants the sound of sea-gulls and the sight of white clouds flying.

 

Page: 547

 

(Questions not provided)

 

Page: 738

 

1. Whose call must the poet respond to and why?

Ans: The poet must respond to the call of the sea because he feels a strong, irresistible connection to it.

 

2. What is meant by ‘the flung spray’ and ‘the blown spume’?

Ans: ‘Flung spray’ refers to the water splashing up from the waves, and ‘blown spume’ is the foam carried by the wind from the sea’s surface.

 

Page: 800

 

1. Suggest a title for the poem.

Ans: A suitable title for the poem is "The Call of the Sea".

 

2. What does the poet ask during his sea voyage (in each stanza in different para)?

Ans: In each stanza, the poet asks for a tall ship, a star, a windy day, and peaceful rest at the end of the voyage.

 

Page: 819

 

1. What does the phrase ‘blown spume’ signify?

Ans: ‘Blown spume’ signifies the foam from the waves being carried by the wind, showing the sea’s lively and energetic movement.

 

2. What does the poet want at the end of his sea-voyage?

Ans: The poet wants quiet sleep and a sweet dream at the end of his sea voyage, symbolizing peace and contentment.

 

Page: 839

 

1. What kind of mood of the poet is revealed in the 1st stanza of the poem?

Ans: The poet's mood in the first stanza is one of restlessness and longing for the sea and adventure.

 

2. What is meant here by ‘tall ship’?

Ans: A ‘tall ship’ refers to a large sailing ship with high masts, necessary for long sea voyages.

 

Additional Questions:

 

1. What does the poet expect after the end of his voyage?

Ans: The poet expects peace and rest, a “quiet sleep and a sweet dream” after the end of his journey.

 

 

2. Name the poem and the poet.

Ans: The poem is "Sea Fever," and the poet is John Masefield.

 

 

3. Why has the poet mentioned the wind as a 'whetted knife'?

Ans: The wind is described as a 'whetted knife' to show that it is sharp and cold, cutting through the air like a blade.

 

 

4. Which things does the poet need for sailing?

Ans: The poet needs a tall ship and a star to steer by.

 

 

5. Why does the poet want a windy day for his journey?

Ans: The poet wants a windy day because it will fill the sails and make the journey more exciting and adventurous.

 

 

6. What do you understand by 'Sea Fever'?

Ans: "Sea Fever" refers to the poet’s strong, almost uncontrollable desire to return to the sea.

 

 

7. Why does the speaker think of going down to the seas again?

Ans: The speaker longs for the freedom, adventure, and beauty of the sea, which is why he repeats the line. The word "again" shows that this is a familiar, recurring desire.

 

 

8. How is the wind?

Ans: The wind is described as sharp and strong, like a "whetted knife."

 

 

9. What does the poet wish?

Ans: The poet wishes to return to the sea for an adventurous life and, after the journey, to find peace and rest.

 

 

10. What does the poet mean by 'a tall ship'?

Ans: A “tall ship” refers to a large sailing vessel with high masts and sails, suitable for long sea voyages.

 

 

11. What are the elements of Nature that call the narrator out for a voyage?

Ans: The wind, the running tide, and the natural beauty of the sea call the poet out for a voyage.

 

 

12. When do the white clouds fly?

Ans: The white clouds fly when the wind is strong, moving them quickly across the sky.

 

 

13. Whose call must the poet respond to and why?

Ans: The poet must respond to the call of the sea because he feels a deep emotional connection to it and cannot resist its pull.

 

 

14. How will the poet go down to the seas?

Ans: The poet will go down to the seas in a tall ship, following the guiding star.

 

 

15. Quote an expression which shows that this is not the poet's first voyage.

Ans: The repetition of "I must go down to the seas again" shows that this is not the poet's first voyage.

 

 

16. During what time of the day does the poet wish to go down to the seas?

Ans: The poet wishes to go down to the seas at dawn, as indicated by “the grey dawn breaking.”

 

 

17. In what other terms does the poet describe the sea? And why?

Ans: The poet describes the sea as lonely and wild, reflecting its untamed beauty and his personal connection to it.

 

 

18. What does the poet ask for during his sea-voyage in the last stanza of the poem?

Ans: In the last stanza, the poet asks for a quiet sleep and a sweet dream after the journey.

 

 

19. What does the poet ask for to start his voyage?

Ans: The poet asks for a tall ship and a star to steer by.

 

 

20. Why is life on sea described as 'vagrant gypsy life'?

Ans: Life at sea is called a “vagrant gypsy life” because it is nomadic, free, and adventurous, like the wandering lifestyle of gypsies.

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