Jan 20, 2019 - The Seafarer


“The Seafarer” is a poem from the Anglo-Saxon literature period that takes a deep look into the pains of a man who is forced to deal with the cold and misery that comes along with sea travel. During this literature period, there are many themes of fatality and death that are explored throughout written works. In general, this was a dark time for people because the reality of death loomed all around them from situations like war to more day-to-day events like childbirth. There are noticeable moments in this work that indicate it is a kind of lamentation of this man who has been exiled to the sea, “... how I, wretchedly sorrowful, lived a winter on the ice-cold sea, upon the tracks of exile, deprived of friendly kinsmen, hung with rimy icicles.” (“Anglo-Saxon…). The time of Anglo-Saxon literature was a period that involved much conflict among families and tribes so exile was almost considered a common punishment put upon men and women for various reasons. This man begins to contemplate the way people view and, in a way, take for granted the beauty of their village and the reliability of a wife and household, “The groves take on blossoms, beautifying the cities, gardens grow more fair, the world hastens…” (“Anglo-Saxon…). By spending time alone on never-ending spans of water, the man comes to appreciate the many blessings he had back in his village. This exile seems to do justice for the man’s spirituality because he comes to understand the importance of life and its values. This is an indication that this poem is most likely written in the post-Christian Anglo-Saxon literature period which includes works that are more faith-based and possess some underlying themes of hope. The man begins to fully comprehend the short time people have on earth and that there may be something more promising for people after they die, “The glory of the earth elders and withers, as now do all men throughout middle-earth. Old age overtakes him…” (“Anglo-Saxon…). After this conclusion, the man come towards a revelation of faith while on this boat, “Let us consider where we should possess our home, and then think about how we may come there again…  There life pertains to the love of the Lord, hope in heaven. Thanks be to the Holy One, so that he may honor us, the Lord of Glory…” (“Anglo-Saxon…). This shows an understanding and belief that all people will come home to be with the Lord in heaven where they can spend their afterlives living joyously. This revelation for the man helps to give the poem an uplifting message about the struggles towards having a strong faith after dealing with exile and loneliness.



“Anglo-Saxon Narrative Poetry Project.” The Descent into Hell | Anglo-Saxon Narrative Poetry Project | Rutgers University, anglosaxonpoetry.camden.rutgers.edu/the-seafarer/.

Comments

  1. Haley WilliardJanuary 22, 2019 at 2:58 PM

    This is a very well written blog. You seem to know the time period very well. There is an error with the formatting. For some reason, your blog is all on one line when I click "Read more". You have a thorough understanding of the poem and it provides a good analysis.

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  2. rmccartnJanuary 22, 2019 at 3:00 PM

    I think this is a great interpretation of the poem, your used what we have learned thus far in class and used it to describe and break down this poem. Understanding the hardships and the thoughts of this man in his story was well exemplified and described.

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