The section in the Language of Literature text entitled "from The Exeter Book" includes three poems requiring analysis. Write a specific and thoughtful response to each posting using standard English. Only complete paragraphs will be posted.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Poetry Analysis
Why do you think that the seafarer chose a life at sea in spite of its hardships?
The seafarer has a yearning to explore that he cannot put out of his mind; the thrill of travel is, to him, worth just as much as the difficulties he has to endure during travel. Additionally, living at sea reminds him constantly of his own mortality, how easily he could lose what little he has left, which provides him with a deeper understanding of life that his contemporaries on land may lack. Because of how strong and enlightening both of those feelings are, he is willing to do whatever he has to do to continue his expeditions.
The seafarer chose a life at sea for various reasons. The hardships at sea didn't really effect him because he hardships of his own. He simply felt comfortable at sea and it seems to be the only place where he could openly express hisself and his feelings.
Maybe the Seafarer was unsure of what to do with his life so he decided to set out to sea to find a purpose for himself. He possibly could have found himself a purpose, and that is to try to deliver the "good news" to man. That is probably why the poem shifts from his painfully personal description of the suffering and mysterious attractions of life at sea, to the explicitly Christian view of God as wrathful and powerful. The speaker preaches about the path to heaven; earthly wealth will not determine whether a man makes it to Heaven or not, so it is best for him to live a good, honorable life, and believe in god.
The seafarer chose the life at sea because, although life at sea involves many hardships, he believes that life on land holds nothing for him. He sees life on land as being close-minded, always settling for what's good rather than what's best. He sees life on land, also, as boring, with the sea calling to him even when he is just docking in from one trip.
The Seafarer finds his calling out on the sea. Land isn't where he belongs from his perspective and, due to this, he'll go to the lengths of risking his life and suffering loneliness to remain away from it. He considers this constant sailing to be worth the hardship endured. Also, the excessive loneliness seems to make him more aware of God, growing in his faith.
In spite of his hardships, the seafarer chose a life at sea to seek refuge. By being at sea, he could be at ease and like Deonte mentioned earlier, express himself. Life on land didn't seem to please him, whereas to life on sea which doesn't really bother him.
Human beings have a tendency to do what they are not supposed to. That, to us, is as a forbidden fruit. Though he knows he shouldn't, the seafarer goes back to sea as if he knows no better. This actually seems to be a confession of why he shouldn't and why he will continue to regardless.
The seafarer has a yearning to explore that he cannot put out of his mind; the thrill of travel is, to him, worth just as much as the difficulties he has to endure during travel. Additionally, living at sea reminds him constantly of his own mortality, how easily he could lose what little he has left, which provides him with a deeper understanding of life that his contemporaries on land may lack. Because of how strong and enlightening both of those feelings are, he is willing to do whatever he has to do to continue his expeditions.
ReplyDeleteThe seafarer chose a life at sea for various reasons. The hardships at sea didn't really effect him because he hardships of his own. He simply felt comfortable at sea and it seems to be the only place where he could openly express hisself and his feelings.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the Seafarer was unsure of what to do with his life so he decided to set out to sea to find a purpose for himself. He possibly could have found himself a purpose, and that is to try to deliver the "good news" to man. That is probably why the poem shifts from his painfully personal description of the suffering and mysterious attractions of life at sea, to the explicitly Christian view of God as wrathful and powerful. The speaker preaches about the path to heaven; earthly wealth will not determine whether a man makes it to Heaven or not, so it is best for him to live a good, honorable life, and believe in god.
ReplyDeleteThe seafarer chose the life at sea because, although life at sea involves many hardships, he believes that life on land holds nothing for him. He sees life on land as being close-minded, always settling for what's good rather than what's best. He sees life on land, also, as boring, with the sea calling to him even when he is just docking in from one trip.
ReplyDeleteThe Seafarer finds his calling out on the sea. Land isn't where he belongs from his perspective and, due to this, he'll go to the lengths of risking his life and suffering loneliness to remain away from it. He considers this constant sailing to be worth the hardship endured. Also, the excessive loneliness seems to make him more aware of God, growing in his faith.
ReplyDeleteIn spite of his hardships, the seafarer chose a life at sea to seek refuge. By being at sea, he could be at ease and like Deonte mentioned earlier, express himself. Life on land didn't seem to please him, whereas to life on sea which doesn't really bother him.
ReplyDeleteHuman beings have a tendency to do what they are not supposed to. That, to us, is as a forbidden fruit. Though he knows he shouldn't, the seafarer goes back to sea as if he knows no better. This actually seems to be a confession of why he shouldn't and why he will continue to regardless.
ReplyDelete