The Seafarer

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1. 
   amy-lepore Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   In the poem, the Seafarer's heart beats and his soul longs for the open sea.  Even though life at sea is hard and at times is unbearably cold and harsh, it is what he absolutely loves.  When he is home on land, there are comforts such as good food, warm homes, and women, but all the while he yearns to be back on board a ship sailing the seas.

   He is most at home on a ship where he can think, admire the birds and fish, and be closer to God.  Although he seems to be unhappy in the beginning of the poem, he is leading up to the prayer at the end which gives new hope as long as he is able to sail.  He is dreading the time when he will be too old to physically endure the daily torture of chains, ropes, sun, wind, and aching muscles that a sailor must take.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/seafarer/

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   Posted by amy-lepore on Wednesday January 30, 2008 at 5:44 PM
   
   

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