Question

How does the point of view toward the ocean in " Excerpt from The Open Boat" differ from the point of view toward the ocean in "Sea Fever"? How is this difference in attitude conveyed in each text? Use details from both texts to support your response.

Answer 1

In these two texts, we see two very different perspectives of the ocean. In the first text, "Excerpt from The Open Boat," we see a description of the ocean that is quite bleak, forceful and destructive. The ocean is described in ways that are intended to cause a strong impression on the reader. The author states that "these waves were most wrongfully and barbarously abrupt and tall and each frothtop was a problem in small boat navigation." This sentence shows that the waves in the ocean were strong and threatening. The author also states that "a singular disadvantage of the sea lies in the fact that after successfully surmounting one wave you discover that there is another behind it just as important and just as nervously anxious to do something effective in the way of swamping boats." This shows how dangerous the open ocean can be.

On the other hand, the text "Sea Fever" provides a more positive view of the ocean. The author talks about wanting to sail again, and his motivations are all positive and cheerful ones. He says that some of the things he desires are "the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,/And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking." He also tells us that he dreams of "a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,/And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over." This shows that the author's point of view is a much more positive one, and one that highlights the excitement of going to sea.