An Analysis Of John Masefield's Sea Fever

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John Masefield's poem "Sea Fever" is a work of art that brings

beauty to the English language through its use of rhythm, imagery

and many complex figures of speech. The meter in "Sea Fever"

follows the movement of the tall ship in rough water through its

use of iambs and hard hitting spondees. Although written primarily

in iambic meter, the meter in "Sea Fever" varies throughout the

poem. The imagery in "Sea Fever" suggests an adventurous ocean

that appeals to all five senses. Along with an adventurous ocean,

"Sea Fever" also sets a mood of freedom through imagery of

traveling gypsies. Perhaps, the most complex part of this poem is

the use of personification and metaphor. …show more content…

Through the combining of

iambic and spondaic meter, "Sea Fever" not only gains a magnificent

rhythm, but gives clues into the location and movement of the tall

ship.

Perhaps, the most striking characteristic of "Sea Fever" is

the remarkable imagery seen on each line throughout the poem.

Images of a "gray mist" and a "gray dawn breaking" bring the poem

to life by appealing to the senses. The powerful images bring the

reader to the ocean and help the reader understand the strong

longing the speaker has for the sea. Through the use of

descriptive adjectives, the effectiveness of Masefield's imagery is

increased. Specifically, words such as "whetted" and "flung" help

create a realistic picture of the sea. Images of a "wild call" and

a "clear call that may not be denied" describe a longing that is

shared between the speaker and the ocean. Finally, images of a

"lonely sea" and a "vagrant gypsy life" bring a mood of freedom and

independence to the poem. Through the use of vivid …show more content…

"Sea Fever" uses meter, imagery, and figures of

speech so effectively that the reader is brought to the sea. The

iambic and spondaic meter along with alliteration give "Sea Fever"

a natural rhythm that coincides with the movement of the sea. The

refrain "I must go down to the seas again" is one of the many

poetic devices used to show the strong longing the speaker has for

the sea. Equally important, the dynamic imagery is seen

practically on each line throughout the poem. The images in "Sea

Fever" are strengthened through the use of figurative language.

Masefield uses personification and similes to add vivid details of

the wind, ship and sea. Perhaps, the most puzzling element of "Sea

Fever" is the implied metaphors. Furthermore, the simple themes in

"Sea Fever", consist of the longing the speaker has for the sea and

the comparison of life to a sea voyage. In conclusion, "Sea Fever"

employs meter, imagery, and figurative language to help strengthen

the themes and help the reader gain an understanding of the

speaker's desire to return to the

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