Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Masefield was an English poet and novelist born in 1878. He served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1930 until his death in 1967. Masefield was known for his adventure stories and sea poetry, which were heavily influenced by his own experiences as a sailor.

Content:

"A Ballad of John Silver" is a narrative poem that tells the story of the infamous pirate from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island." The poem begins with John Silver and his crew on the ship, the "Walrus," as they search for treasure on an island. The poem's narrator, Jim Hawkins, who also appears in "Treasure Island," watches from the shore as the pirates set sail. The poem then describes the pirates' journey and their encounters with other ships and sailors, including a bloody battle with a Spanish galleon. The poem ends with the Walrus crew returning to the island with the treasure, but also facing a reckoning for their crimes.

Form:

"A Ballad of John Silver" is written in ballad form, which consists of quatrains with an abcb rhyme scheme. The poem has a strong rhythm and repetition, with the refrain "Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum" appearing throughout.

Poetic Elements:

Masefield uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to create a sense of adventure and danger in the poem. The sea is personified as a powerful force, with lines such as "The wind was piping free" and "The sails were spread abroad." Masefield also uses alliteration and onomatopoeia to add to the poem's musicality, such as "The sheets are passed, the yards are squared / The decks are cleared, the lanterns lit."

Summary:

"A Ballad of John Silver" is a well-crafted and engaging narrative poem that brings to life the character of John Silver and the world of pirates and treasure hunting. Masefield's use of ballad form, vivid imagery, and descriptive language create a memorable and immersive experience for the reader. The poem also offers a glimpse into Masefield's love of adventure and the sea, which were recurring themes throughout his writing. Overall, "A Ballad of John Silver" is a fine example of Masefield's skill as a storyteller and his ability to capture the spirit of adventure and exploration in his work.

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