Colobong, Reynel John A.
3CED-Engl
English American Literature
Old English Poetry: The Seafarer
Directions:
Download the file: The Seafarer. Read and understand the poem. Answer the questions briefly,
and submit the answers in pdf file.
A. Understanding Anglo-Saxon Poetry
This is a lyric poem that express intense personal poem. It expresses mixed feelings of Reliance
to God and with Christian beliefs. At times, the poets feeling seem to birder on despair.
1. What are the three images the poet uses in the first stanza to convey his sense of isolation?
The three images the poet uses in the first stanza to convey his sense of isolation are the "ice-
cold sea," the "wild swan's song," and "the crying of the seagulls."
2. The poet names three (3) threats. What are they?
The three threats mentioned by the poet are "the freezing waves," "the fierce sea," and "the hard
fate of the world."
3. a. In the poem, what happens to fools when they forget their God?
b. What happens to those who live humbly?
a. In the poem, when fools forget their God, they suffer in anguish and are tormented by the
hardships of life.
b. Those who live humbly and fear God find solace and are rewarded with eternal life.
B. Interpreting the poem
4. How might you explain the mixed feelings about the sea that the poet seems to feel?
The mixed feelings about the sea that the poet seems to feel could be attributed to the treacherous
nature of the sea and the hardships it presents, but also the sense of adventure and the
opportunity for spiritual growth that can be found in facing its challenges.
5. Pagans in Anglo Saxon England-non Christians-felt themselves at the mercy of forces utterly
beyond their control, while Christians put their trusts in salvation and heaven. In line #39 to
#43, show the influence of both beliefs.
In lines #39 to #43, the poet reflects the influence of both pagan and Christian beliefs. He
acknowledges the awesome power of fate and the sea as pagan forces beyond human control,
while professing his faith in God's guidance and his hope for salvation.
6. Explain the lines #66 & #67, “The wealth of the world neither reaches to heaven nor
remains”
The lines #66 & #67, "The wealth of the world neither reaches to heaven nor remains," imply
that material wealth and possessions cannot be taken to heaven or provide lasting spiritual
fulfillment. They are temporary and transient, unable to bring true happiness or eternal salvation.
7. The Seafarer is a poem of Contrast. What contrast is implied in lines #80 to #102?
The contrast implied in lines #80 to #102 is between the restless and transient nature of life at
sea, with its hardships and dangers, and the longing for stability, comfort, and the sense of
belonging that comes from having a settled home and community.
8. What does the poet mean by the word home in line #117?
By the word "home" in line #117, the poet means the final resting place or heaven, where the
soul finds everlasting peace and solace.
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C. Application
8. Explain how a person can dislike something as much as the sailor dislikes life at sea and yet
keep going back to it.
A person can dislike something as much as the sailor dislikes life at sea but keep going back to it
due to various reasons, such as a sense of duty or obligation, the potential for personal growth or
spiritual introspection, or the allure of adventure and exploration that outweighs the discomfort
and challenges faced.
D. Understanding Language
A few English words still appear in the dictionary but are seldom used anymore. Find the
meanings of the following words. Use them in sentence.
1. Churl - A churl refers to a peasant or a person of low social standing.
Sentence: The churl struggled to make ends meet on his meager farm.
2. Thane - A thane was a warrior or nobleman in Anglo-Saxon England.
Sentence: The king rewarded his loyal thanes with lands and riches.
3. Tor - A tor is a rocky peak or hill.
Sentence: The hikers climbed the steep tor to enjoy the breathtaking view.
4. Yare - Yare means quick or agile.
Sentence: The agile athlete was yare and easily dodged his opponents.
5. Yclept - Yclept means called or named.
Sentence: The book, yclept "The Chronicles of Narnia," became a beloved classic.
