Here, you will find summaries, questions, answers, textbook solutions, pdf, extras etc., of (West Bengal Board) WBBSE Class 10 (Madhyamik) English (Bliss, Second Language) Lesson 6: Sea Fever by John Masefield. These solutions, however, should be only treated as references and can be modified/changed.
Summary
The speaker in the poem “Sea Fever” expresses a powerful, irrepressible urge to return to the sea. In the first stanza, he states “I must go down to the seas again” showing it is not a mere wish but a deep need. He longs for the lonely sea and sky, the open and endless expanse of the ocean waters meeting the horizon. All he needs is a tall ship to sail on and a star to steer by. He wants to experience the sensations of sailing – the jerking of the ship’s wheel, the sound of the wind singing through the rigging, and the flapping of the white sails. He imagines the view of the grey mist lying on the surface of the sea and the grey light of dawn breaking over the waters.
In the second stanza, the speaker reiterates his compelling need to go back to the sea, which he describes as “the call of the running tide.” This call of the ocean is wild and clear, an inviting summons that simply cannot be ignored or denied. The only things he asks for are a windy day with racing white clouds overhead, and the sights and sounds of the sea – flung spray, blowing foam, and crying gulls.
The third stanza expresses the same urgent call back to the ocean, which represents a wandering, gypsy-like existence to the speaker. He refers to the sea life as “the gull’s way and the whale’s way,” always moving, always journeying. The wind cuts like a sharpened knife, evoking the harshness and danger of life at sea. All the speaker wants is an entertaining tale from a cheerful fellow sailor, some pleasant camaraderie to share during the voyage. He ends by looking ahead to quiet sleep and pleasant dreams when the long voyage is finally over.
Throughout the poem, the repetitive refrain “I must go down to the seas again” and the simple but vivid imagery emphasizes the speaker’s intense longing for the freedom, challenges, and romance of life on the open seas. The ocean calls to his adventurous spirit with a summons he simply cannot refuse.
Line-by-line explanation
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
The poet says he feels an irrepressible urge to go back to the sea, to the vast expanse of the lonely sea and sky.
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
All the poet wants is a tall sailing ship and a star to navigate by.
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
He wants to experience the jerking of the ship’s wheel, the sound of the wind singing, and the flapping of the white sails.
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
And see the grey mist on the surface of the sea and the grey dawn emerging.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Again the pull to go back to the sea is intense, for the sound of the flowing tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
Is a passionate and inviting call that cannot be ignored;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
All he wants is a windy day with white clouds racing across the sky,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
And the sea spray flying and sea foam blowing, and the cries of seagulls.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
Again, he must go back to the wandering, gypsy-like life at sea,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
To the way of life of seagulls and whales, where the wind cuts like a sharpened knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
All he wants is an entertaining tale from a cheerful fellow sailor,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.
And peaceful sleep and a pleasant dream when the long voyage is over.
Comprehension/textual exercises
1. Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentences
(a) The poet asks for a sail the colour of which would be
(i) blue (ii) grey (iii) black (iv) white
Answer: (iv) white
(b) While going down to the sea, the poet wants to hear the crying of
(i) seagulls (ii) cuckoos (iii) eagles (iv) swallows
Answer: (i) seagulls
(c) The wind on the sea is like a whetted
(i) sword (ii) axe (iii) knife (iv) spear
Answer: (iii) knife
2. State whether the following statements are True or False. Provide sentences/phrases/words in support of your answer
(a) To steer the ship the poet needs the moon.
Supporting statement:_____________
Answer: False. The poet asks for “a star to steer her by”, not the moon.
(b) The call of the running tide is wild and clear.
Supporting statement:_____________
Answer: True. For the call of the running tide/ Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied.
(c) The poet is going out to the sea for the first time.
Supporting statement:_____________
Answer: False. I must go down to the seas again.
3. Answer the following questions:
(a) During what time of the day does the poet wish to go down to the seas?
Answer: The poet wishes to go down to the seas during a “grey dawn breaking”.
(b) What kind of day does the poet prefer for sailing?
Answer: The poet prefers a “windy day with the white clouds flying” for sailing.
(c) What does the poet prefer to hear from a fellow rover?
Answer: The poet prefers to hear a “merry yarn” or tale from a fellow sailor.
Grammar in use
4. Do as directed:
(a) What a shocking sight! (change into an assertive sentence)
Answer: It is a shocking sight.
(b) I am sure of his success. (change into a complex sentence)
Answer: I am sure that he will succeed.
(c) Snigdha is not only wise but also brave. (change into a simple sentence)
Answer: Snigdha is wise and brave.
5. Write a summary of the following passage (within 100 words)
Egyptian kings are called Pharaohs. Tutankhamun was an Egyptian king who ruled between 1332-1323 BC. Tutankhamun was very young when he became the king. He was only ten years old when he ascended the throne. He was the son of Akhenaten who was also a Pharaoh. As the king, Tutankhamun undertook many building projects. These building projects were centered around Thebes and Karnak. Tutankhamun built many temples and monuments. At that time many temples were in ruins. Tutankhamun ordered them to be rebuilt. Tutankhamun had various physical disabilities. He suffered from ill health for a long period in his life. Tutankhamun required the support of a cane to walk because of his physical disabilities.
In ancient Egypt, the body of a Pharaoh was preserved after his death. This preserved body was known as the mummy. The preserved body of Tutankhamun was discovered by Howard Carter, an Englishman. He discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. The tomb was nearly intact when it was discovered. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb attracted wide interest all over the world. The discovery sparked an interest in ancient Egypt.
Answer: Tutankhamun was an Egyptian Pharaoh who ruled from 1332-1323 BC. He became king at the very young age of ten after his father Akhenaten. As king, Tutankhamun undertook building projects centered around Thebes and Karnak, reconstructing many temples and monuments. Tutankhamun suffered from physical disabilities and poor health, needing a cane to walk. After his death, the preserved mummy of Tutankhamun was discovered intact in his tomb by Howard Carter in 1922. This significant archaeological find attracted wide interest across the world and sparked renewed curiosity about ancient Egypt and its pharaohs. The discovery revealed much about Tutankhamun’s life and reign.
6. Write a newspaper report (within 100 words) on the incident of burglary in a flat in Kolkata using the following points:
date and place – time – occupants of the house – number of robbers – list of articles stolen – police investigation
Answer: Kolkata Burglary Leaves Residents Shaken
Kolkata, August 1: A flat in the Ballygunge area of Kolkata was burgled in the early hours of Tuesday morning while the occupants were away.
The break-in occurred around 3AM and involved three robbers who made off with cash, jewelry and electronics. The police were informed by neighbors who heard noises during the robbery.
“We are investigating and gathering evidence from the scene,” said an officer from the local precinct.
The occupants returned home to find their flat ransacked. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Extra MCQs
1. The poem ‘Sea Fever’ is written by:
(a) William Wordsworth (b) John Keats (c) P.B. Shelley (d) John Masefield
Answer: d
2. The poet refers to the sea as:
(a) lonely sea (b) angry sea (c) beautiful sea (d) none of the above
Answer: a
3. The poet wants to steer the ship using:
(a) modern technology (b) stars (c) compass (d) radar
Answer: b
4. The crying that the poet wants to hear belongs to:
(a) eagles (b) owls (c) seagulls (d) crows
Answer: c
5. The wind blowing on the sea is compared to a:
(a) sword (b) knife (c) spear (d) razor
Answer: b
6. The poet refers to the sea as a ‘vagrant gypsy life’ which means it is:
(a) dangerous (b) unpredictable (c) charming (d) unpleasant
Answer: b
7. The poet wants to hear a ‘merry yarn’ from a:
(a) old sailor (b) young sailor (c) fellow rover (d) none of the above
Answer: c
8. The phrase ‘the long trick’s over’ refers to the end of a:
(a) journey (b) voyage (c) day (d) assignment
Answer: b
9. The poem expresses the poet’s:
(a) sorrow (b) joy (c) excitement (d) anger
Answer: c
10. The poem uses imagery related to:
(a) mountains (b) the sky (c) the sea (d) the forest
Answer: c
11. The poem is an example of:
(a) sonnet (b) elegy (c) lyric (d) epic
Answer: c
12. The rhyme scheme of the poem is:
(a) aabb (b) abab (c) abcb (d) abcabc
Answer: b
13. The poem expresses the theme of:
(a) nature (b) death (c) love (d) war
Answer: a
Extra true, false, supporting statement
1. The poet has been to the sea before.
Answer: True. “I must go down to the seas again” suggests he has been before.
2. The poet wants complete silence during his voyage.
Answer: False. He wants to hear “the sea-gulls crying”.
3. The poet finds the call of the sea irresistible.
Answer: True. “And the call of the running tide/Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied.”
4. The poet wants the winds to be calm during the journey.
Answer: False. He wants “a windy day with the white clouds flying”.
5. The poet wants modern technology for navigating.
Answer: False. He asks for “a star to steer her by”.
6. The poet enjoys the movement of the ship.
Answer: True. “And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking.”
7. The poet desires a life of adventure at sea.
Answer: True. “To the vagrant gypsy life,/To the gull’s way and the whale’s way.”
8. The poet wants warmth and comfort during the voyage.
Answer: False. He refers to the “whetted knife” of the winds.
9. The poet wants to hear old stories from fellow sailors.
Answer: True. “And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover.”
10. The poet will be sailing alone.
Answer: False. He talks of a “fellow rover”.
11. The poet will sleep well after his journey.
Answer: True. “And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.”
12. The poet finds the sea ugly and unpleasant.
Answer: False. His tone is excited and joyful about the sea voyage.
13. The poem expresses positivity about sea travels.
Answer: True. “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.”
14. The poet is an experienced sailor.
Answer: True. He refers to “the long trick”, suggesting he is accustomed to voyages.
15. The poem conveys a sense of anticipation.
Answer: True. “I must go down to the seas again” shows excitement about the voyage.
Extra questions and answers
1. What celestial body is referred to in the poem?
Answer: The polestar is referred to, as it guides the poet to the sea.
2. What does ‘sea-fever’ signify?
Answer: ‘Sea-fever’ signifies an irresistible longing for the sea.
3. Where is the poet compelled to go?
Answer: The poet feels compelled to go to the seas.
4. How did the call of the waves sound?
Answer: The call of the waves sounded wild and clear.
5. Why must the poet return to the sea?
Answer: The poet must return to the sea because the call of the sea cannot be denied.
6. How does the poet envision the ship?
Answer: The poet envisions a tall ship.
7. What does the poet hope to see on the sea surface?
Answer: The poet hopes to see grey mist on the sea surface.
8. Why is the call of the sea irresistible?
Answer: The call is irresistible because it is wild and clear.
9. Whose wandering life does the poet desire?
Answer: The poet desires the wandering life of a gypsy.
10. Identify a comparison used in the poem.
Answer: The wind is compared to a sharpened knife.
11. What does the poet look forward to after his voyage?
Answer: After his voyage, the poet looks forward to sleeping and dreaming.
12. What is the poet’s greatest longing?
Answer: The poet longs intensely for a sea voyage.
13. Why does the poet want a ‘star’ on his journey?
Answer: The poet wants the polestar as a guide on his sea journey.
14. What does ‘wheel’s kick’ refer to?
Answer: It refers to the jerking motion of the ship’s wheel as it starts turning.
15. What does the poet desire in the first stanza?
Answer: In the first stanza, the poet desires cooperation from the sea and sky, a tall ship, and a guiding star.
16. What are the poet’s expectations at journey’s end?
Answer: At journey’s end, the poet expects to hear sailor’s tales and sleep peacefully with sweet dreams.
17. What does the poet compare the wind to?
Answer: The poet compares the wind to a whetted (sharpened) knife.
18. What does the poet request from a fellow sailor?
Answer: The poet requests a merry yarn (tale) from a laughing fellow-rover (accompanying sailor).
19. What does the poet mean by the “long trick”?
Answer: By “long trick”, the poet refers to the long sea voyage.
20. What does the poet wish to experience during his voyage?
Answer: The poet wishes to experience the wheel’s kick, the wind’s song, the shaking of the white sails, and the sea-gulls crying.
21. How does the poet describe the call of the sea?
Answer: The poet describes the call of the sea as wild and clear, one that cannot be denied.
22. What type of life does the poet wish to lead?
Answer: The poet wishes to lead the wandering, gypsy-like life of the sea.
23. What does the poet mean by the “gull’s way”?
Answer: By the “gull’s way”, the poet refers to the way seagulls fly and live over the sea.
24. What does the poet want when the “long trick” is over?
Answer: When the long sea voyage is over, the poet wants quiet sleep and sweet dreams.
25. Why does the poet want to go back to the sea repeatedly?
Answer: The irresistible call of the sea repeatedly draws the poet back to the sea.
26. What imagery does the poet use to convey the sea’s allure?
Answer: Imagery like the wheel’s kick, wind’s song, white sails shaking conveys the allure of the sea.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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