Prayer

John Masefield's Prayer

John Masefield’s Prayer is a poignant and evocative meditation on mortality, the sea, and the human longing for peace and transcendence. Written in the early 20th century, the poem reflects Masefield’s deep connection to the maritime world, a recurring theme in his work, and his ability to weave personal yearning with universal themes. Through its vivid imagery, rhythmic cadence, and emotional depth, Prayer invites readers to contemplate the inevitability of death, the beauty of nature, and the solace found in spiritual surrender. This analysis will explore the poem’s historical and cultural context, its use of literary devices, its central themes, and its enduring emotional resonance.

Historical and Cultural Context

John Masefield (1878–1967) was an English poet and writer, best known for his works that celebrate the sea and the lives of sailors. Born in Ledbury, Herefordshire, Masefield spent much of his youth at sea, an experience that profoundly shaped his literary imagination. His early years as a sailor instilled in him a deep appreciation for the ocean’s beauty and brutality, themes that permeate his poetry. Prayer, written during a period of great personal and global upheaval, reflects the anxieties and aspirations of a world grappling with the aftermath of World War I and the rapid changes of modernity.

The early 20th century was a time of profound transformation, marked by technological advancements, shifting social norms, and the lingering trauma of war. Masefield’s poem, with its invocation of the sea as both a literal and metaphorical force, can be seen as a response to this tumultuous era. The sea, in Masefield’s work, often symbolizes the unknown, the eternal, and the sublime—a realm where human struggles are both magnified and rendered insignificant. In Prayer, the speaker’s desire for a maritime death and the imagery of drowned galleons evoke a sense of timelessness, connecting the individual’s fate to the broader currents of history and nature.

Literary Devices and Imagery

Masefield’s Prayer is a masterclass in the use of literary devices to create a vivid and emotionally resonant narrative. The poem’s structure, imagery, and rhythm work in harmony to convey the speaker’s longing for a peaceful yet dramatic end, one that is intimately tied to the natural world.

1. Imagery: The poem is rich with maritime imagery, which serves to immerse the reader in the speaker’s world. Phrases like “the last sea is sailed,” “the loud crying of the wind,” and “the cold tunny-fishes’ home” evoke the vastness and power of the ocean. The imagery is both specific and universal, capturing the sensory details of a life at sea while also suggesting broader themes of journey, struggle, and rest. The “stately clippers steering / Towards the lone northern star” evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of sailing, while also symbolizing the human quest for direction and purpose.

2. Repetition: The repetition of the word “last” in the opening lines emphasizes the finality of the speaker’s journey. Each “last” marks the end of a phase—sailing, harvesting, fire, and companionship—culminating in the “last prayer.” This repetition creates a sense of inevitability and closure, underscoring the poem’s meditation on mortality.

3. Contrast: Masefield employs contrast to heighten the emotional impact of the poem. The “night of storm and thunder” is juxtaposed with the “dim green quiet place,” suggesting a movement from chaos to peace. Similarly, the “loud crying of the wind” contrasts with the “wash and thresh of the sea-foam,” highlighting the duality of the sea as both a destructive and a nurturing force.

4. Symbolism: The sea in Prayer is a multifaceted symbol, representing both the end of life and the possibility of transcendence. The “ninth great peaceful wave” that the speaker wishes to drown them is a powerful image of surrender and release, while the “drowned galleons” suggest a connection to history and the collective human experience. The “lone northern star” serves as a symbol of guidance and hope, pointing toward “the fair ports of home,” which can be interpreted as both a literal destination and a metaphor for spiritual peace.

5. Rhythm and Cadence: The poem’s rhythm mirrors the ebb and flow of the sea, with long, rolling lines that evoke the movement of waves. This rhythmic quality enhances the poem’s emotional resonance, drawing the reader into the speaker’s world and creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy.

Themes

Prayer explores several interconnected themes, including mortality, the sublime power of nature, and the human desire for peace and connection.

1. Mortality and Acceptance: At its core, Prayer is a meditation on death and the acceptance of one’s mortality. The speaker’s plea to be granted a peaceful yet dramatic end reflects a desire to meet death on their own terms, with dignity and a sense of fulfillment. The imagery of the sea as a final resting place suggests a return to the natural world, a theme that resonates with the Romantic tradition of finding solace in nature.

2. The Sublime Power of Nature: The sea in Prayer is depicted as both beautiful and terrifying, embodying the Romantic concept of the sublime. The “night of storm and thunder” and the “ninth great peaceful wave” highlight the ocean’s dual nature as a source of awe and danger. This portrayal of nature as a powerful, indifferent force underscores the speaker’s humility and reverence for the natural world.

3. Longing for Peace and Connection: The speaker’s desire to hear “the wash and thresh of the sea-foam” and to be guided by the “lone northern star” reflects a deep yearning for peace and connection. The sea, with its timeless rhythms and vast horizons, becomes a symbol of continuity and belonging. The mention of “the fair ports of home” suggests a longing for a place of safety and comfort, whether in this life or the next.

4. Spiritual Surrender: The poem’s title, Prayer, signals its spiritual dimension. The speaker’s plea to be “rolled under” by the sea can be interpreted as an act of surrender to a higher power or to the natural order of the universe. This theme of surrender is both poignant and empowering, suggesting that true peace comes from letting go of control and embracing the unknown.

Emotional Impact

Prayer is a deeply moving poem that resonates with readers on an emotional level. Its exploration of mortality and the sublime power of nature taps into universal human experiences, while its vivid imagery and rhythmic cadence create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The speaker’s longing for a peaceful yet dramatic end is both poignant and relatable, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationship with death and the natural world.

The poem’s emotional impact is heightened by its ability to balance contrasting elements—chaos and peace, beauty and terror, finality and continuity. This balance creates a sense of tension and resolution that mirrors the ebb and flow of the sea, drawing the reader into the speaker’s emotional journey. The final image of the “stately clippers steering / Towards the lone northern star” leaves the reader with a sense of hope and transcendence, suggesting that even in the face of death, there is the possibility of peace and connection.

Conclusion

John Masefield’s Prayer is a masterful exploration of mortality, the sublime power of nature, and the human longing for peace and connection. Through its rich imagery, rhythmic cadence, and emotional depth, the poem invites readers to contemplate the inevitability of death and the solace found in spiritual surrender. Rooted in the historical and cultural context of the early 20th century, Prayer reflects the anxieties and aspirations of a world grappling with change and uncertainty. Yet its themes and imagery transcend time and place, speaking to the universal human experience and the enduring power of poetry to connect us with our deepest emotions and aspirations. In Prayer, Masefield reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life, and the profound peace that can be found in embracing the unknown.