Open Boat And Sea Fever: Contrasting Perspectives On The Sea

The 2019 science fiction horror film Sea Fever and the poem Sea Fever by John Masefield both depict the sea, but their attitudes towards it differ. The film, written and directed by Neasa Hardiman, follows a trawler crew threatened by a parasitic infection. It portrays the ocean as dangerous and destructive, as the crew struggles against a growing parasite in their water supply. On the other hand, Masefield's poem describes his excitement about the sea, its fulfilling waves, and adventurous voyages. The poem's title hints at the speaker's childhood excitement and nervous excitement whenever they thought about the sea. While the film highlights the dangers of the open ocean, the poem invites readers on a journey by a tall ship, capturing the speaker's longing for the sea and wanderlust.

The dangers of the open ocean

The open ocean can be a treacherous place, as depicted in "Excerpt from The Open Boat" and "Sea Fever". In "The Open Boat", the ocean is described as destructive and threatening, with waves that are "wrongfully and barbarously abrupt and tall", each posing a challenge to navigation. The constant surge of waves, one after the other, is a relentless challenge to those adrift.

"Sea Fever" explores a different set of dangers. The open ocean is vast and unforgiving, as a fishing trawler finds itself marooned and at the mercy of a giant deep-sea creature. The real threat, however, comes from the tiny parasites that the creature secretes. These lethal parasites infect the crew, leading to a deadly contagion. The crew's struggle to survive highlights the danger of being stranded in the open ocean, far from medical help, and the difficulty of self-quarantine in such a situation.

The ocean is a powerful force, capable of overwhelming even the sturdiest of vessels. The crew of the trawler in "Sea Fever" faces not only the threat of the creature but also the relentless spread of infection, which highlights the dangers of being isolated and vulnerable in the open ocean. The ocean's seemingly endless expanse becomes a trap, as the crew finds themselves unable to escape the threat.

The open ocean is a realm of uncertainty and potential disaster. The vastness of the ocean can be daunting, and when faced with emergencies, such as a parasitic infection, the sense of isolation and exposure to the elements can be overwhelming. The ocean's unpredictable nature, coupled with its sheer power, underscores the dangers faced by those who venture onto its waters.

The ocean's depths harbour unknown threats, as depicted in "Sea Fever" with the discovery of the giant sea creature and its deadly parasites. The ocean's mysteries can be intriguing, as John Masefield's poem "Sea Fever" suggests, but they can also be deadly. The allure of the open ocean, with its promises of adventure and excitement, is ever-present, but it is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers that lurk beneath the surface.

The allure of the sea

The open sea has long been a source of fascination and allure, capturing the imaginations of poets, adventurers, and storytellers alike. This vast and unpredictable expanse of water holds a special place in the human psyche, evoking feelings of excitement, wanderlust, and a deep connection to nature. In both "The Open Boat" and "Sea Fever", the ocean is a central character, but it is the contrasting attitudes towards it that are key.

The Open Boat

In "The Open Boat", the ocean is depicted as a formidable and destructive force. The waves are described as "wrongfully and barbarously abrupt and tall", each posing a significant challenge to the small boat's navigation. The relentless succession of waves is emphasised, conveying a sense of insurmountable odds. The ocean is personified as "anxiously" seeking to swamp boats, highlighting its threatening nature. This excerpt portrays the sea as an unforgiving and hostile environment, where survival is a constant struggle.

Sea Fever

"Sea Fever", on the other hand, presents a markedly different perspective. The poem by John Masefield, former Poet Laureate of England, captures the speaker's deep-seated longing for the sea and the adventurous life of sailors. The poem's title, "Sea Fever", hints at the nervous excitement and pleasurable anticipation the speaker feels when contemplating life at sea. Masefield's use of imagery evokes the beauty and allure of the sea, from the "lonely sea and the sky" to the "white clouds flying" and the "crying of seagulls". The poem's rhythm and repetition create a sense of urgency in the speaker's desire to embark on a sea voyage.

The 2019 film adaptation of "Sea Fever" by Neasa Hardiman takes the allure of the sea in a different direction. While the open ocean is still a central element, the focus shifts to the mysterious and dangerous creatures that lurk beneath its surface. The story revolves around a fishing trawler crew who encounter a giant, luminous sea creature and its lethal parasites. Despite the threat, the crew's initial reaction to the open sea is one of excitement and eagerness for their voyage. This sense of anticipation and the allure of the unknown are central to the story's appeal.

The Alluring Unknown

The sea also symbolises freedom and a break from the mundane. In Masefield's poem, the speaker yearns for the "vagrant gypsy life", seeking to break free from the confines of a settled existence. The open sea represents the ultimate liberation, where one can roam without boundaries and embrace a life of exploration and discovery.

A Force of Nature

A Dual Nature

The sea's allure is also tied to its dual nature, at once beautiful and dangerous. The very same sea that promises freedom and adventure can also be treacherous and unforgiving. This duality is reflected in both "The Open Boat" and "Sea Fever". In "The Open Boat", the sea's destructive nature is emphasised, while in "Sea Fever", the initial allure of the sea gives way to the horror of the parasites that threaten the crew's lives. This dual nature adds depth to the allure of the sea, reminding us that its beauty is inseparable from its potential for danger.

In conclusion, the allure of the sea stems from its vastness, its untamed nature, and the sense of excitement and freedom it evokes. It represents the unknown, the adventurous, and the liberating. The open sea, with its raw power and dual nature, continues to captivate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the human imagination.

The excitement of going to sea

"Sea Fever" by John Masefield is a poem that captures the speaker's excitement and longing for the sea. The title itself hints at the speaker's childhood excitement and nervous anticipation of the sea, depicting it as a pleasurable disease for which they seek no cure.

The poem is filled with vivid imagery of the sea, sky, and ship, reflecting the speaker's deep connection to the ocean. Each stanza begins with the refrain "I must go down to the seas again", emphasising their urgency to be on a ship and their strong desire to sail once more. The speaker describes the thrill and fulfilment they feel when hearing the sound of the ship's wheel and the wind, painting a picture of the vast, endless sea and the tall ship guided by the polestar.

The second stanza explores the "call of the running tide", a wild and clear call that the speaker cannot deny. They express their wish for a windy day with white clouds, the spray of seawater, and the cries of seagulls. The speaker's restlessness and excitement are palpable, as they yearn to answer the call of the sea and set sail on a new adventure.

In the final stanza, the speaker reveals their desire for a life of exploration and freedom, comparing it to the "vagrant gypsy life". They wish to follow the path of the gulls, embracing the uncertainty and wanderlust that comes with life at sea. The speaker also longs for the camaraderie of fellow sailors, asking for "a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover" to share stories with.

"Sea Fever" beautifully captures the speaker's passion for the sea, the thrill of sailing, and the allure of a life filled with adventure. It evokes a sense of urgency and excitement, reflecting the speaker's deep connection to the ocean and their longing for the vagrant gypsy life of a sailor.

The sea as a source of spiritual fulfillment

The sea is depicted as a source of spiritual fulfilment in John Masefield's poem "Sea Fever". Masefield, a former Poet Laureate of England, describes his excitement and longing for the sea, its fulfilling waves, and the adventurous voyages it offers. The poem captures the speaker's inner proximity to the sea, portraying their wish to embark on a ship and sail through its vastness.

Each stanza in "Sea Fever" begins with the refrain "I must go down to the seas again", reflecting the speaker's urgency and strong desire to be at sea. The term "fever" in the title suggests the nervous excitement and pleasurable disease that the speaker feels towards the sea. It is a metaphor for the speaker's restlessness and excitement, an ailment that only the sea can cure.

Masefield's use of imagery and personification brings the sea to life. He describes the "lonely sea" and the "sky", personifying the sea as if it longs for the speaker's presence. The speaker's spiritual fulfilment is found in the journey itself, sailing through the endless waters under the wide sky. The "ship", personified as a lady, is the speaker's companion on this voyage, while the polestar, a symbol of constancy, acts as their guide.

The poem's calm, emotive, and urgent tone reflects the speaker's restless yet peaceful spirit. The repetition of phrases such as "I must go down to the seas again" and the use of imagery create a sense of longing and attachment to the sea. "Sea Fever" beautifully captures the speaker's spiritual connection to the sea, portraying it as a source of excitement, adventure, and fulfilment.

In contrast, the "Excerpt from The Open Boat" presents a different perspective of the ocean, describing it as bleak, forceful, and destructive. The waves are depicted as tall and abrupt, posing a constant threat to navigation. The ocean is seen as dangerous and challenging, with each wave presenting a new obstacle to overcome. This text conveys a sense of struggle and survival in the face of the unforgiving sea.

The sea as a symbol of freedom

The sea has long been a symbol of freedom, and this is reflected in the poem "Sea Fever" by John Masefield and the film "Sea Fever" directed by Neasa Hardiman.

John Masefield's "Sea Fever"

In the poem, Masefield expresses his excitement and longing for the sea, describing it as a pleasurable disease that he does not want to be cured of. The sea represents freedom from the confines of land and the monotony of everyday life. Masefield's use of imagery and personification brings the sea to life, depicting it as a lonely and wild entity that calls out to the speaker, beckoning them to embark on a journey of adventure and exploration.

Each stanza begins with the refrain "I must go down to the seas again," emphasizing the speaker's urgency to return to the sea. The poem captures the speaker's restlessness and their deep connection to the sea, portraying it as a force that cannot be denied. The sea, in this context, symbolizes not just physical freedom but also spiritual fulfillment and a sense of calm amidst the excitement and uncertainty of seafaring life.

Neasa Hardiman's "Sea Fever"

While the film "Sea Fever" primarily focuses on the crew's struggle against a parasitic infection, the sea still serves as a backdrop for themes of freedom and escape. The crew of the trawler finds themselves marooned and battling for their lives, with the vast expanse of the sea both isolating them and providing the potential for escape.

The sea, in this context, represents freedom from the constraints of society and the opportunity to start anew. It is a realm where one must rely on their wits and resources to survive, free from the usual social structures and hierarchies. However, the sea is also depicted as a force of nature that cannot be controlled or tamed, underscoring the theme of human vulnerability in the face of nature's power.

In both the poem and the film, the sea acts as a symbol of freedom, inviting characters to embark on journeys of self-discovery and offering a sense of liberation from the confines of their everyday lives.

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