SEA FEVER NOTES

 

 

1. Who is the speaker in the poem?

The speaker is a sailor who longs for another wonderful voyage

2. What desire does the speaker express?

He wishes to go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, and to get a tall ship and a star to steer it.

3. Mention the things the speaker needs to fulfill his desire.

He needs to get a tall ship and a star to steer it.

4. Pick out the words or expressions that convey sensory experiences in the first stanza.

The wheel’s kick and the wind’s song, the white sail’s shaking, a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

5. Why does the speaker want to go back to the seas?

 He wants to go back to the seas because the call of the running tide is a wild call which is undeniable

6. What climate does the sailor prefer for the voyage?

A windy day with the white clouds flying

7. Why does the poet compare the wind to a whetted knife?

The poet describes the wind as sharp and cutting, like a sharpened knife, emphasizing its power and intensity.

8. How does the speaker wish his journey to end?

The speaker wishes for a merry yarn from a fellow rover, quiet sleep, and sweet dreams at the end of the journey.

9. How does the poem explore the idea of the ‘clear call’ mentioned in the second stanza?

The ‘clear call’ in the second stanza represents a wish for experiences beyond the ordinary and a desire to explore the unknown.

10. What does the speaker like about the 'vagrant gypsy life'?

The 'vagrant gypsy life' suggests his longing to reject the traditional safe zones of life and explore a life of unending freedom and adventure.

11. How does the poem highlight the theme of friendship and shared experiences?

Although the poem doesn't explicitly mention friendship, the speaker's desire for a "merry yarn from a laughing fellowrover" suggests a longing for companionship and camaraderie. This line implies that the speaker values the social aspect of seafaring and the bonds formed with fellow sailors. The poem also highlights the shared experiences that sailors have. The speaker's references to "the wheel's kick," "the wind's song," and "the white sail's shaking" evoke a sense of shared physical sensations and challenges that sailors face together.

These shared experiences can foster a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging among those who live and work at sea.

In essence, while friendship is not the primary theme of "Sea Fever," the poem's exploration of the sailor's life and the desire for companionship suggests that friendship and shared experiences are important elements of the maritime lifestyle.

 

12. Pick out the words and expressions from the poem that portray the poet's longing for the liberating life at sea and his sense of adventure.

a. ‘I must go down to the seas again" conveys a strong desire to return to the sea.

b. ‘Lonely sea and the 'sky'—emphasizes the freedom of the open sea and sky.

c. ‘Tall ship and a star to steer her by’ - This evokes the image of sailing under the guidance of the stars, symbolizing adventure and exploration.

d. ‘Grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking’ - Suggests the mysterious aspects and the atmosphere of sea voyages.

e. ‘Call of the Running Tide’ - Portrays the irresistible allure and excitement of the sea.

f. ‘Flung spray and the blown spume, and the gulls crying’ - Evokes the action and liveliness of the sea, accompanied by the cries of seabirds.

g. ‘Vagrant gypsy 'life'—Describes the nomadic and free-spirited existence of sailors.

h. ‘Merry yarn from a laughing fellow-'rover'—indicates the joy found in sharing tales and experiences with fellow sailors.