- A. flu fever
- B. the poet’s deep wish to be at sea
- C. the poet’s fear of the sea
b) the poet’s deep wish to be at sea
- A. a fishing net
- B. a big boat
- C. a tall ship
c) a tall ship
- A. the gulls and whales
- B. the penguins and sharks
- C. the pelicans and dolphins
a) the gulls and whales
The poet wants to go down to the lonely sea and the sky. This expresses his deep yearning to return to the ocean and the open expanse of the heavens above it. The use of the word 'lonely' suggests that the poet is drawn to the solitude and freedom that the sea and sky offer, away from the constraints of land-based life.
According to the poet, the pleasures of sailing include hearing the wheel's kick, which is the sound of the ship's wheel turning, hearing the wind's song as it moves across the water, and feeling the white sail's shaking as it catches the wind. These sensory experiences represent the dynamic and exhilarating aspects of being at sea, combining both auditory and tactile sensations that make sailing a deeply satisfying experience.
The poet asks for a windy day because such conditions create the ideal environment for his sailing experience. On a windy day, the white clouds fly across the sky, the spume is blown across the sea's surface, and the sea gulls cry out as they soar through the air. These elements combine to create a vibrant, dynamic seascape filled with movement, sound, and visual beauty. The windy conditions bring the sea to life with activity and energy, making the sailing experience more exhilarating and fulfilling. The poet desires these conditions because they represent the full, authentic experience of being at sea that he craves.
The poet wants the company of a laughing fellow rover, which means he desires human companionship from another wanderer or sailor. He specifically wants to hear a merry yarn, which is an entertaining and imaginative story told in a lively manner. This indicates that the poet values the camaraderie and shared experiences of fellow travelers who understand the call of the sea and the joy of adventure.
When the long trick is over, meaning when his voyage or watch at sea is complete, the poet wants to have quiet sleep and sweet dreams. This suggests that after the excitement and activity of sailing, he desires rest and peaceful relaxation, allowing his mind to drift into pleasant dreams that likely reflect his experiences at sea.
Sky by, knife life, rover over
I must go down to the seas again.
In the line 'And a grey mist on the sea's face,' the poetic device used is metaphor. The sea's face is a metaphorical expression that personifies the sea by comparing it to a human face, suggesting that the grey mist covers the sea's surface as it would cover a person's face.
‘Where the wind’s like a whetted life’ – simile is the comparison.
E. The poem has many visual and sound images. Complete the table with examples from the poem. The first one has been done for you.Visual images
Sound images
Wheel’s kick
Wind’s song
whetted knife
sea gulls crying
white clouds flying
call of the running tide
blown spume
laughing of the fellow rover
grey mist
appealing to the senses
lonely sea
bring a mood of freedom
7th English Guide Sea Fever Additional Appreciation Questions
The poet describes the sea as 'lonely' because it is a vast, isolated expanse of water that stretches endlessly with few signs of human presence or activity. Unlike the land, which is densely populated with people, towns, and civilization, the sea remains largely empty and desolate. Ships sail across it only occasionally, and for most of the time, the sea appears barren and uninhabited. The loneliness of the sea also reflects its untamed and wild nature, where one encounters primarily water, sky, and the forces of nature rather than human companionship. This sense of solitude and isolation is part of what draws the poet to the sea, as it offers an escape from the crowded, busy world of human settlements. The loneliness emphasizes the sea's mysterious and remote character, which appeals to the poet's adventurous spirit and desire for freedom.
The star referred to in the poem is the North Star, also known as the Pole Star. This star has been used by sailors for centuries as a navigational aid because it remains fixed in the night sky and indicates the direction of north. By observing the North Star's position, sailors can determine their geographical location and steer their ships in the correct direction across the vast ocean. The star serves as a reliable guide when other landmarks are absent, making it an essential tool for maritime navigation and ensuring the ship reaches its intended destination safely.
The winds help the mariners to sail smoothly in the sea. Favourable winds reduce the labour of the sailors.