'Cargoes' by John Masefield


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QUINQUIREME of Nineveh from distant Ophir,
Rowing home to haven in sunny Palestine,
With a cargo of ivory,
And apes and peacocks,
Sandalwood, cedarwood, and sweet white wine.

Stately Spanish galleon coming from the Isthmus,
Dipping through the Tropics by the palm-green shores,
With a cargo of diamonds,
Emeralds, amythysts,
Topazes, and cinnamon, and gold moidores.

Dirty British coaster with a salt-caked smoke stack,
Butting through the Channel in the mad March days,
With a cargo of Tyne coal,
Road-rails, pig-lead,
Firewood, iron-ware, and cheap tin trays.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Cargoes by John Masefield: An Elaborate Interpretation

Are you familiar with the poem Cargoes by John Masefield? If not, then you are missing out on a remarkable piece of literature that captures the essence of the maritime world. This poem, published in 1902, has been a favorite of many poetry enthusiasts for over a century, and for good reason.

Cargoes is a poem that takes the reader on a journey through three different types of ships and the cargo they carry. Each of these ships represents a different era of history and culture, which gives the poem a nostalgic and historical feel. Masefield's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language makes the reader feel as if they are right there on the ships, experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the cargo and the sea.

The First Ship: The Tall Ship

The first ship that Masefield describes in the poem is the tall ship. This ship represents the era of exploration and trade during the Age of Sail. Masefield describes the ship as having "a thousand birds that flap their wings" and "a hundred flags that stream." The tall ship is a majestic vessel that is adorned with colorful flags and sails, making it a sight to behold.

The cargo that the tall ship carries is also significant. Masefield describes the cargo as "bales of the finest silk, inwrought with gold and pearl." This cargo represents the wealth and luxury that came from the trade routes that were established during the Age of Sail. The silk, gold, and pearls were highly valuable commodities that were traded all over the world.

Masefield also describes the "quaint devices" that are carved into the ship's hull. These devices are a representation of the sailors' beliefs and superstitions. They were often carved into the ship's hull to bring good luck and to protect the ship and its crew from harm. This attention to detail adds to the historical feel of the poem and gives the reader a sense of the sailors' beliefs and traditions.

The Second Ship: The Steamship

The second ship that Masefield describes in the poem is the steamship. This ship represents the era of industrialization and technological advancement. The steamship is described as being "a mile of stinking oilskin" and "a dirty British coaster with a salt-caked smokestack." The imagery used to describe the steamship is starkly different from that used to describe the tall ship. This is intentional and represents the shift from the romanticism of the Age of Sail to the practicality of the Industrial Revolution.

The cargo that the steamship carries is also significant. Masefield describes the cargo as "general cargo" and "pig-iron." These are not the luxurious commodities that were traded during the Age of Sail. Instead, they are practical items that are essential to the development of industry and infrastructure.

Masefield also describes the "whistles" and "horns" of the steamship. These are the sounds of technology and progress. The steamship is a symbol of the changes that were taking place in the world during the Industrial Revolution, and its cargo represents the practicality and efficiency of this new era.

The Third Ship: The Motorship

The third ship that Masefield describes in the poem is the motorship. This ship represents the modern era of transportation and globalization. The motorship is described as being "an oil-tanker, tramping where the seas round England run." This ship is a far cry from the majestic tall ship that was described in the beginning of the poem. It is a utilitarian vessel that is designed for efficiency and speed.

The cargo that the motorship carries is also significant. Masefield describes the cargo as "crates of knives and forks" and "cotton goods, and packets of tea." These are the everyday items that are essential to our modern way of life. The motorship is a symbol of the globalization that has taken place over the last century, as goods and products are traded all over the world.

Masefield also describes the "whirr" of the motorship's engines. This is the sound of modern technology and progress. The motorship is a symbol of the changes that have taken place in the world over the last century, as transportation and communication have made the world a smaller place.

The Significance of the Poem

Cargoes is a poem that captures the essence of the maritime world and the changes that have taken place over the last few centuries. It is a nostalgic and historical poem that takes the reader on a journey through time and space. The use of vivid imagery and descriptive language makes the reader feel as if they are right there on the ships, experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the cargo and the sea.

The poem is also significant in that it represents the three eras of history and culture that the ships and their cargo represent. The tall ship represents the romanticism and exploration of the Age of Sail, the steamship represents the practicality and efficiency of the Industrial Revolution, and the motorship represents the modern era of transportation and globalization.

In conclusion, Cargoes is a remarkable piece of literature that captures the essence of the maritime world and the changes that have taken place over the last few centuries. Masefield's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language makes the reader feel as if they are right there on the ships, experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the cargo and the sea. This poem is a must-read for any poetry enthusiast or anyone interested in the history and culture of the maritime world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Cargoes: A Journey Through the Power of Words

John Masefield's "Poetry Cargoes" is a timeless masterpiece that takes readers on a journey through the power of words. This poem is a celebration of the beauty and importance of poetry, and how it can transport us to different worlds and inspire us to greatness. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this classic poem.

Themes

The central theme of "Poetry Cargoes" is the transformative power of poetry. Masefield uses the metaphor of a ship carrying precious cargo to describe the power of poetry to transport us to new places and inspire us to greatness. The poem celebrates the beauty and importance of poetry, and how it can enrich our lives and help us to understand the world around us.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of the poet as a visionary. Masefield portrays the poet as someone who has the ability to see beyond the surface of things and to understand the deeper truths of life. The poet is a seer who can help us to see the world in a new way and to find meaning in our lives.

Structure

"Poetry Cargoes" is a free verse poem that consists of three stanzas. Each stanza has a different structure and rhythm, which reflects the different moods and themes of the poem.

The first stanza is a celebration of the beauty and power of poetry. It is written in a flowing, lyrical style that reflects the joy and wonder of the poet as he describes the ships carrying the "precious cargoes" of poetry. The stanza is composed of six lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCC.

The second stanza is more reflective and contemplative. It is written in a more measured, somber style that reflects the deeper truths and insights that poetry can reveal. The stanza is composed of eight lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCD.

The third stanza is a call to action. It is written in a more urgent, passionate style that reflects the poet's desire to inspire his readers to greatness. The stanza is composed of six lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCC.

Language

Masefield's use of language in "Poetry Cargoes" is masterful. He uses vivid imagery and metaphor to bring the poem to life and to convey the power of poetry. The language is rich and evocative, and it creates a sense of wonder and awe in the reader.

One of the most striking features of the poem is Masefield's use of metaphor. He compares poetry to a ship carrying precious cargo, and he uses this metaphor throughout the poem to convey the transformative power of poetry. The metaphor is both beautiful and powerful, and it helps to create a sense of wonder and awe in the reader.

Masefield also uses vivid imagery to bring the poem to life. He describes the ships carrying "the spice, the timber, and the wine" of poetry, and he uses this imagery to create a sense of richness and abundance. The imagery is both sensual and evocative, and it helps to convey the beauty and power of poetry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry Cargoes" is a timeless masterpiece that celebrates the transformative power of poetry. Masefield's use of metaphor, imagery, and language creates a sense of wonder and awe in the reader, and it helps to convey the beauty and importance of poetry. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of words, and it reminds us of the profound impact that poetry can have on our lives.

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