Born on this day June 1, 1878 in Herefordshire, England, John Masefield was a poet who had a deep love and appreciation for nature and adventure. His poetry is filled with vivid imagery that transports the reader to the breathtaking landscapes he describes. From the rolling waves of the sea to the majestic mountains, Masefield’s writing captures the essence of the natural world in its purest form. His poems are not just about the beauty of nature, but they also explore the themes of adventure and exploration. Masefield’s love of the sea and his experiences as a sailor are evident in his poetry, where he vividly describes the thrill of the ocean and the dangers that come with it. Here we will delve deeper into the themes of nature and adventure in John Masefield’s poetry and how they intertwine to create a powerful and immersive reading experience. Join me on this literary journey as we explore the wonders of Masefield’s poetic world.
Themes of nature and adventure in Masefield’s poetry
Masefield’s poetry is characterized by his love of nature and adventure. His poems are full of descriptions of the natural world, from the sea and the sky to the mountains and the forests. His love of the sea is particularly evident in his writing, as he describes the thrill of sailing and the dangers that come with it. Masefield’s poetry is not just about the beauty of nature, but it also explores the themes of adventure and exploration. He often depicts the sea as a place of adventure and discovery, where one can find freedom and escape from the constraints of society.
“Sea-Fever“
“Sea-Fever” is perhaps Masefield’s most famous poem, and it perfectly captures his love of the sea and his adventurous spirit. The poem begins with the famous lines, “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.” These lines immediately set the tone for the poem and convey the speaker’s deep longing for the sea. The speaker goes on to describe the freedom and adventure that can be found at sea, saying, “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.”
Throughout the poem, Masefield uses vivid imagery to transport the reader to the sea, describing the “whirling wheel’s kick” and the “flung spray and the blown spume” of the waves. The poem ends with the speaker’s declaration that “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.” “Sea-Fever” is a powerful tribute to the sea and to the adventurous spirit that drives us to explore and discover.
“Cargoes“
In “Cargoes,” Masefield takes us on a different kind of adventure, exploring the exotic and mysterious goods that are carried across the seas. The poem begins with the lines, “Quinquireme of Nineveh from distant Ophir, / Rowing home to haven in sunny Palestine, / With a cargo of ivory, / And apes and peacocks, / Sandalwood, cedarwood, and sweet white wine.”
Masefield’s use of vivid imagery creates a sense of wonder and excitement as he describes the exotic goods that are being transported across the seas. The poem goes on to describe other ships and their cargoes, including the “stately Spanish galleon coming from the Isthmus.” “Cargoes” is a celebration of the richness of the world and the adventures that can be found in exploring it.
Comparison of Masefield’s themes with other poets of his time
Masefield was writing during a time when many poets were exploring similar themes of nature and adventure. Poets like Robert Frost, William Butler Yeats, and W.H. Auden were all writing about the natural world and the human experience of exploring it. However, Masefield’s work stands out for its vivid imagery and his deep personal connection to the sea.
Masefield’s use of language and imagery
Masefield’s poetry is marked by his use of vivid imagery and powerful language. His descriptions of the natural world are so vivid that they transport the reader to the landscapes he describes. Masefield also has a gift for using language that is both beautiful and accessible, making his poetry appealing to a wide range of readers.
The relevance of Masefield’s poetry in modern times
Although Masefield was writing over a century ago, his poetry remains relevant today. His themes of nature and adventure are timeless, and his descriptions of the natural world are as powerful and evocative as ever. Masefield’s poetry reminds us of the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and the importance of exploring and experiencing it.
John Masefield’s poetry is a celebration of the natural world and the human spirit of adventure and exploration. His love of the sea and his experiences as a sailor are evident in his writing, which is marked by vivid imagery, powerful language, and a deep personal connection to the natural world. Masefield’s work remains relevant today, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the world around us and the importance of exploring and experiencing it.
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 gray mist on the sea’s face, and a gray 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.
-John Masefield
Curated by Jennifer
