Sea Fever
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
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.I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
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.
Summary of Sea Fever
- Popularity of the Poem, “Sea Fever”: John Masefield’s “Sea Fever” is a beloved poem known for its powerful depiction of wanderlust and a deep connection to the natural world. First published in 1902 as part of his collection Salt-Water Ballads, the poem explores the irresistible pull the sea has on the speaker. It resonates with readers because it captures the universal human desire for freedom, adventure, and a return to something primal and essential.
- “Sea Fever” as a Representative of Natural world: At its heart, “Sea Fever” is an ode to the sea and the life it embodies. The speaker expresses a longing to return to the “lonely sea and the sky,” seeking solace and rejuvenation in its vastness. He doesn’t ask for riches or luxury, but rather simple things—a ship, a star, the wind, and the companionship of fellow sailors. This focus on the elemental and unadorned underscores the poem’s celebration of the natural world.
- Major Themes in “Sea Fever”: Several key themes intertwine within the poem. Wanderlust is perhaps the most prominent, driving the speaker’s relentless desire to return to the sea. This longing is coupled with a romanticized view of the adventurous life of a sailor, emphasizing freedom, independence, and a connection to the natural world. Beyond adventure, the poem also touches upon the themes of memory, escapism, and the cyclical nature of life—the constant return to what truly nourishes the soul.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Sea Fever”
John Masefield skillfully employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the emotional impact and imagery of “Sea Fever.” These techniques contribute to the poem’s overall atmosphere and reinforce its central themes.
- Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, creates a musical quality and adds to the poem’s rhythmic flow. Consider the line “And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking.” The repeated short ‘i’ sound creates a sense of energy and movement.
- Anaphora: The strategic repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, known as anaphora, is powerfully used in the poem. The repeated phrase “And all I ask is” at the beginning of lines in each stanza emphasizes the speaker’s simple, yet profound, desires. It creates a hypnotic rhythm and underscores the speaker’s unwavering focus on the essentials.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, alliteration, adds a textured soundscape to the poem. An excellent example is found in the line, “To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife.” The repeating ‘w’ sound mimics the sound of the wind itself, intensifying the image.
- Consonance: Similar to alliteration, consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds, but these sounds can appear anywhere within the words, not just at the beginning. For example, in the line “Is a wild call and a clear call,” the repeated ‘l’ and ‘c’ sounds create a sense of echo and resonance.
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a phrase or sentence continues from one line of poetry to the next without punctuation. This technique creates a sense of momentum and encourages the reader to move seamlessly through the poem. Notice in the lines,
“I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied.”The thought isn’t completed until the second line, mirroring the unstoppable force of the sea’s call.
- Imagery: Masefield masterfully uses imagery—language that appeals to the senses—to paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. Lines like “I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky” and “And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying” transport us to the heart of the ocean, allowing us to feel the wind, see the waves, and experience the vastness of the sea.
- Personification: Personification, giving human qualities to inanimate objects, is used to emphasize the power and vitality of the sea. While not overt, the sea itself is almost portrayed as a beckoning figure, its “call” irresistible.
- Symbolism: The sea itself functions as a powerful symbol in the poem. It represents freedom, escape, adventure, and a return to a more primal and authentic way of life. For the speaker, the sea is not just a body of water, but a state of being.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in “Sea Fever”
Beyond literary devices, “Sea Fever” employs several poetic devices to create its musicality and enhance its emotional impact.
- End Rhyme: The poem relies on a consistent end rhyme scheme (ABAB) to create a sense of harmony and musicality. The rhyming words sky/by, shaking/breaking connect ideas and reinforce the poem’s rhythm.
- Quatrain: The poem is structured in quatrains, four-line stanzas, a traditional poetic form that lends itself to a concise and focused expression of ideas.
- Rhyme Scheme: As mentioned previously, the ABAB rhyme scheme is fundamental to the poem’s structure and musicality. It creates a sense of balance and predictability, while still allowing for variation and expressiveness.
- Stanza: The use of three distinct stanzas provides a clear structure to the poem. Each stanza develops the speaker’s desire and longing in a focused manner, building towards a powerful conclusion.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines from “Sea Fever” are particularly evocative and useful when describing the beauty and power of the ocean:
“And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.”
These lines capture the sensory experience of being at sea, evoking images of movement, sound, and the ethereal beauty of the ocean. They are perfect for illustrating the poem’s central themes of wanderlust, adventure, and a deep connection to nature.