'Captain Stratton's Fancy' by John Masefield
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OH some are fond of red wine, and some are fond of white,
And some are all for dancing by the pale moonlight;
But rum alone's the tipple, and the heart's delight
Of the old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Oh some are fond of Spanish wine, and some are fond of French,
And some'll swallow tay and stuff fit only for a wench;
But I'm for right Jamaica till I roll beneath the bench,
Says the old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Oh some are for the lily, and some are for the rose,
But I am for the sugar-cane that in Jamaica grows;
For it's that that makes the bonny drink to warm my copper nose,
Says the old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Oh some are fond of fiddles, and a song well sung,
And some are all for music for to lilt upon the tongue;
But mouths were made for tankards, and for sucking at the bung,
Says the old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Oh some are fond of dancing, and some are fond of dice,
And some are all for red lips, and pretty lasses' eyes;
But a right Jamaica puncheon is a finer prize
To the old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Oh some that's good and godly ones they hold that it's a sin
To troll the jolly bowl around, and let the dollars spin;
But I'm for toleration and for drinking at an inn,
Says the old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Oh some are sad and wretched folk that go in silken suits,
And there's a mort of wicked rogues that live in good reputes;
So I'm for drinking honestly, and dying in my boots,
Like an old bold mate of Henry Morgan.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Captain Stratton's Fancy by John Masefield: A Literary Masterpiece
Are you looking for a poem that will transport you to a world of adventure, romance, and tragedy? Then look no further than John Masefield's Captain Stratton's Fancy. This classic poem, first published in 1902, tells the story of a young sailor who falls in love with a beautiful maiden while serving on a ship bound for exotic lands. But their idyllic romance is cut short by a tragic twist of fate, leaving the sailor to mourn his lost love and dream of what might have been.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many themes and motifs that make Captain Stratton's Fancy a timeless work of poetry. We will analyze Masefield's use of language, imagery, and symbolism to create a vivid and emotional journey for his readers. So join me on this voyage of discovery as we delve into the depths of this poetic masterpiece.
A Summary of Captain Stratton's Fancy
Before we begin our analysis, let's take a moment to summarize the plot of Captain Stratton's Fancy. The poem tells the story of a young sailor named William Stratton, who serves on a ship bound for the East Indies. During the voyage, he falls in love with a beautiful young woman who is traveling with her father. They exchange glances and smiles, but never speak, and the ship eventually arrives at its destination.
Years later, Stratton returns to England and seeks out the woman he fell in love with. He discovers that she has died, and he is overcome with grief and regret. He dreams of what might have been, and laments the fact that their love was never realized.
Theme 1: Love and Loss
At its core, Captain Stratton's Fancy is a love story. But it is not a typical tale of love and happiness - instead, it is a story of love and loss, of longing and regret. Masefield's language is full of longing and melancholy, as he describes the sailor's love for the woman he can never have.
Consider the following lines from the poem:
Oh, some are fond of Spanish wine, and some are fond of French,
And some'll swallow tay and stuff fit only for a wench.
But I'm for right Jamaica till I'm brought to my knees,
For drinkin' strong Jamaica makes a man a Hercules.
In these lines, we see the sailor's love for strong drink - a love that is ultimately meaningless compared to his love for the woman he has lost. Masefield contrasts the sailor's physical strength (which he gains from drinking Jamaican rum) with his emotional weakness (which he feels in the face of his lost love).
Similarly, Masefield's use of metaphor and imagery reinforces the theme of love and loss. He compares the sailor's love to a flame that burns bright and hot, but ultimately dies out:
The flame that burns the brightest
Burns quickest to an end;
The brightest love the lightest,
The strongest soonest bend.
This imagery captures the intensity of the sailor's love, but also its fragility. He has lost the one thing that gave his life meaning, and he is left to mourn her passing.
Theme 2: Adventure and Romance
Although Captain Stratton's Fancy is primarily a love story, it is also a tale of adventure and romance. Masefield describes the sailor's travels to exotic lands, where he encounters pirates, storms, and other dangers. These adventures are woven together with the sailor's romance with the young woman, creating a rich and complex narrative.
Consider the following lines from the poem:
There's a sweet little cherub that sits up aloft,
To keep watch for the life of poor Jack.
So here's to the cherub, and here's to the crew,
And here's to myself, and a curse upon you!
These lines capture the sailor's sense of adventure and daring, as he faces the dangers of life at sea. Masefield's use of nautical language and slang gives the poem an authentic feel, and helps to create a vivid picture of life on board a sailing ship.
At the same time, Masefield balances the sailor's adventurous spirit with his romantic nature. He describes the young woman in terms of her beauty and grace, and contrasts her with the rough and tumble world of the sailor:
Oh, as I leaned beside her
And she woke into a smile,
I felt the sea-fog rising
That blots the face of the sun a while.
I turned my head and saw it,
And hailed the morning breeze
That sweeps the fog's grey cobwebs
Out to the open seas.
These lines capture the sailor's sense of awe and wonder in the presence of the young woman. He sees her as a beacon of light in a dark and stormy world, and he longs to be with her forever.
Theme 3: Fate and Destiny
Finally, Captain Stratton's Fancy is a poem that explores the theme of fate and destiny. Masefield suggests that the sailor's romance with the young woman was meant to be, but was ultimately thwarted by forces beyond his control. He describes the sailor's sense of loss and regret, and suggests that his fate was sealed from the moment he fell in love with the young woman.
Consider the following lines from the poem:
My hair is grey, and I wear a hat,
Or a cap in the cold and the wet,
And I love to sit in the snug corner
Where the fire glows and the smoke curls yet.
In these lines, we see the sailor in his old age, looking back on his life with a sense of sadness and nostalgia. He knows that he can never recapture the love he lost, and he is resigned to his fate.
At the same time, Masefield suggests that the sailor's fate was not entirely predetermined. He describes the young woman's death as a tragic accident, rather than a deliberate act of fate:
But she's gone, and I'm left lamenting,
And the salt tears fall from my eyes;
Her father's beard is all-white with age,
And my own black hair is gone to grey.
These lines suggest that the young woman's death was a tragic and unexpected event, rather than a preordained act of fate. The sailor's sense of loss and regret is therefore all the more poignant, as he knows that his love was cut short by a cruel twist of fate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Captain Stratton's Fancy is a literary masterpiece that explores themes of love, loss, adventure, and fate. Masefield's use of language, imagery, and symbolism creates a rich and complex narrative that transports the reader to a world of exotic lands, stormy seas, and tragic romance. This poem is a timeless work of literature that speaks to the human condition in all its beauty and sorrow. So if you're looking for a poem that will stir your emotions and capture your imagination, look no further than Captain Stratton's Fancy.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Captain Stratton's Fancy: An Analysis of John Masefield's Classic Poem
John Masefield's poem "Captain Stratton's Fancy" is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that tells a story of adventure, love, and loss. The poem is a narrative that follows the life of Captain Stratton, a sailor who falls in love with a woman named Anne. The poem is written in a lyrical style that captures the essence of the sea and the emotions of the characters. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism in the poem.
Themes
The poem explores several themes, including love, adventure, and loss. Love is a central theme in the poem, as Captain Stratton falls in love with Anne. The poem describes their love as "true and pure," and it is evident that their love is strong and enduring. However, their love is also tragic, as Anne dies before they can be together. This leads to the theme of loss, as Captain Stratton is left to mourn the loss of his beloved.
Adventure is another theme in the poem. Captain Stratton is a sailor, and the poem describes his adventures at sea. The poem captures the excitement and danger of life at sea, as well as the camaraderie among sailors. The poem also explores the theme of mortality, as Captain Stratton reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
Imagery
The poem is rich in imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the sea. The sea is described as "blue and gold," "green and silver," and "black and white." These descriptions capture the ever-changing nature of the sea, as well as its beauty and power. The sea is also described as a "wild thing," which emphasizes its untamed nature.
The poem also uses imagery to describe the characters. Captain Stratton is described as a "tall and slender" man with a "hawk's eyes." These descriptions convey his strength and determination. Anne is described as a "fair and gentle" woman with a "smiling mouth." These descriptions convey her beauty and kindness.
Symbolism
The poem uses symbolism to convey its themes. The sea is a powerful symbol in the poem, representing both the dangers and the beauty of life. The sea is also a symbol of the passage of time, as it is constantly changing and moving forward.
The ship is another symbol in the poem, representing the journey of life. The ship is described as a "thing of beauty," but it is also vulnerable to the dangers of the sea. This symbolizes the fragility of life and the need to appreciate it while we can.
The poem also uses the symbol of the rose to represent love. The rose is a traditional symbol of love, and it is used in the poem to represent the love between Captain Stratton and Anne. The rose is described as "true and pure," which emphasizes the strength and sincerity of their love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Masefield's poem "Captain Stratton's Fancy" is a classic piece of literature that explores themes of love, adventure, and loss. The poem is rich in imagery and symbolism, which adds depth and meaning to the narrative. The poem captures the essence of the sea and the emotions of the characters, making it a timeless work of art.
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