‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield: Summary and Analysis

‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield: Summary and Analysis

"Sea Fever" is a poem by John Masefield, first published in 1902. It is a lyrical and romantic ode to the sea and the sailor's life. The poem is considered one of Masefield's most famous works and has been widely anthologized. Its popularity is due in part to its romantic and nostalgic portrayal of the sea, which has resonated with readers for over a century.

However, "Sea Fever" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and allure of the sea, and the desire for freedom, adventure, and exploration that it represents. The poem is written in the first person and the speaker is expressing his own personal longing to return to the sea.

The first stanza of the poem sets the scene and the speaker's desire for adventure. He longs for a "tall ship" and a "star to steer her by," which symbolize both the vessel and the guidance needed for the journey. The use of sensory language like "the wheel's kick and the wind's song" and "the white sail's shaking" adds to the vividness of the scene and the excitement of the journey.

In the second stanza, the speaker talks about the "wild call" of the sea, which he cannot resist. He longs for a "windy day" with "white clouds flying" and the "flung spray and the blown spume," which evoke images of a powerful, dynamic sea. The "sea-gulls crying" add to the sense of movement and freedom.

The final stanza speaks to the speaker's deep love and connection to the sea. He describes the sailor's life as a "vagrant gypsy life," suggesting a life lived outside of conventional society, with its own unique culture and traditions. The speaker longs for the camaraderie of his fellow sailors and the peaceful rest that comes after a hard day's work. The use of the phrase "when the long trick's over" implies that the speaker is a seasoned sailor, familiar with the rhythms and routines of the sea.

The poem captures the speaker's longing to return to the sea, where he finds freedom and adventure. The imagery of a "tall ship" and a "star to steer her by" evokes a sense of navigation and exploration. The use of sensory language, such as "the wheel's kick and the wind's song," and "the flung spray and the blown spume," creates a vivid picture of the sailor's experience.

Overall, "Sea Fever" is a romantic and nostalgic portrayal of the sea and the sailor's life, capturing the sense of adventure, freedom, and camaraderie that it represents. The poem's enduring popularity is a testament to its evocative language and its ability to resonate with readers who share the speaker's longing for the sea.

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