Imagine a life brimming with adventure, a boyhood spent at sea, years exploring the world, and a deep connection to the stories of ordinary people. This was the life of John Masefield, a poet and author whose work captured the spirit of a changing era. He wasn’t just writing about life, he was writing from life, and that authenticity is what continues to resonate with readers today.
John Masefield A Life at Sea and in Verse
Born in 1878, John Masefield’s early life was marked by loss. He lost his mother when he was only six and was sent to live with his aunt and uncle. This feeling of displacement and longing would later permeate his work. However, it wasn’t sorrow that ultimately defined his path, but adventure. At the age of fourteen he ran away to sea, and for five years he experienced the raw power and beauty of the ocean firsthand. He travelled to various parts of the world, encountering diverse cultures and witnessing life in all its forms. This period was transformative, providing him with a wealth of experiences that would fuel his imagination and become central to his writing. He didn’t just see the sea; he felt it, smelled it, and understood its rhythms. This is beautifully captured in much of his poetry, imbuing it with an unusual sense of realism and immediacy.
John Masefield Biography A Mariner Turned Poet
After returning to land, Masefield worked a variety of jobs, including as a schoolmaster, journalist, and playwright. He struggled for years to establish himself as a writer. It wasn’t until 1912, with the publication of his novel John Inglesant, that he achieved significant recognition. This historical novel, set in the seventeenth century, demonstrated his storytelling ability and earned him the Hawthornden Prize. However, it was the First World War that truly solidified his place in literary history. His war poems, particularly those focusing on the lives of ordinary sailors, resonated deeply with a nation grappling with loss and upheaval. He served as a hospital orderly during the war, witnessing the horrors of conflict firsthand, which deeply impacted his writing. He was eventually appointed Poet Laureate in 1930, succeeding Robert Bridges, a position he held until his death in 1967.
John Masefield’s Writing Style Rhythms of Real Life
Masefield’s writing style is characterized by a strong sense of realism and a masterful use of rhythm and language. He wasn’t interested in flowery, overly ornate prose. Instead, he sought to capture the cadence of everyday speech and the raw energy of life. His poetry, in particular, is known for its use of ballad form – a narrative poem set to music. This form, with its simple rhyme scheme and strong beat, lends itself well to storytelling and allows Masefield to create a sense of immediacy and drama.
A Focus on Character and Setting
Masefield often focused on the lives of ordinary people – sailors, farm workers, and the marginalized members of society. He had a keen eye for detail and a deep empathy for his subjects. He didn’t shy away from depicting the hardships of life, but he also celebrated the resilience and dignity of the human spirit. His settings are equally important. Whether it’s the bustling docks of a port city, the vast expanse of the ocean, or the quiet beauty of the English countryside, Masefield brings his settings to life with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of place. For example, in Sea-drift, the ever-changing nature of the sea isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a metaphor for the fluidity and unpredictability of life itself.
Rhythm and Sound in His Poetry
Masefield’s use of rhythm and sound is particularly striking. He often used onomatopoeia – words that imitate sounds – to create a more immersive reading experience. He also employed alliteration and assonance to create musicality and emphasis. Consider the poem Cargo Ship. The repeated sounds of “sh” and “s” in lines such as “Silver and gold are lovely to behold” mimic the sounds of the sea, drawing the reader into the scene.
John Masefield Famous Works A Literary Legacy
Masefield’s literary output was prolific, encompassing poetry, novels, plays, and autobiographical works. Several of his works continue to be widely read and studied today.
Notable Poems
- Sea-drift: A collection of poems celebrating the sea and the lives of sailors.
- Cargo Ship: A vibrant and evocative poem depicting a ship laden with goods from exotic lands.
- August, 1914: A powerful and patriotic poem written in response to the outbreak of the First World War.
- The Wanderer of the Desert: A narrative poem showcasing Masefield’s knack for storytelling.
Key Novels
- John Inglesant: A historical novel set in the seventeenth century.
- The Fair Harbour: A coming-of-age story with the sea as a backdrop.
- Martin Hyde: A novel examining social injustice and the lives of the working class.
John Masefield Quotes Reflections on Life and the Sea
Masefield’s writing is filled with insightful observations about life, death, and the human condition. Here are a few examples:
“It isn’t the sea that’s so bad, but the men in it.”
This quote reflects Masefield’s pragmatic view of life and his belief that human nature is often more dangerous than the forces of nature.
“To be a man is to feel the weight of the world and to know that you are not alone.”
This quote captures Masefield’s empathy for the struggles of others and his belief in the importance of human connection.
“The hours are getting longer and the days are getting shorter.”
A simple yet profound observation about the passage of time and the inevitability of change.
John Masefield’s contribution to literature lies in his ability to capture the essence of life with honesty, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and hardship of the human experience. He wasn’t just a poet and author; he was a storyteller, a humanist, and a voice for the voiceless. His work continues to inspire and resonate with readers today, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling and the importance of connecting with the world around us.