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...
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 sea.