“Sea Fever” contains multiple instances of figurative language, particularly personification. Students can deepen their understanding of the poem by locating examples of figurative language and analyzing their effect on the poem. For each example of figurative language students locate, have them create a storyboard square depicting the intended meaning. Then, below the square, ask students to explain how that figurative language increases their understanding of the poem. For example, the figurative language might reveal the speaker’s relationship with the sea more clearly, it might contribute to the tone of the poem, or it might illustrate the setting.
Calling the surface of the water a "face" suggests that the sailor has a personal relationship with the sea. Just as we can tell a person's emotions by looking at their face, the sailor can read the mood of the sea by looking at it.
The tide is personified when it seems to call out to the sailor. This reinforces the idea that the sea has a mind and emotions of its own. It also suggests a kind of hypnotic power that the sea has over the sailor. To a certain degree, the sailor feels almost forced to go to sea.
The wind, like the sea, comes alive in this poem. It too is personified when it is said to be singing. The word "song" suggests a beautiful and melodious sound, emphasizing the sailor's positive experience of the sea.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that illustrates figurative language in "Sea Fever".
Introduce figurative language terms and examples by making a class anchor chart. Visual displays help students remember and reference key concepts throughout the poetry unit.
Read a few lines of “Sea Fever” and think aloud as you spot personification or metaphor. This demonstrates your process and builds student confidence in finding examples themselves.
Assign groups to search the poem for figurative phrases and label each with sticky notes or in digital docs. Collaboration makes the task less intimidating and encourages discussion.
Facilitate a class conversation on how the figurative language affects the poem’s tone, imagery, and the speaker’s feelings. Encourage students to give examples and support their ideas.
Assign students to pick a favorite example from the poem and design a poster with the quote, an illustration, and a brief explanation. Display these around the classroom to reinforce learning.
Examples of figurative language in 'Sea Fever' include personification such as “sea’s face,” “call of the running tide,” and “wind’s song.” These phrases give the sea and wind human-like qualities, deepening the poem’s meaning.
Personification in 'Sea Fever' makes the sea and wind feel alive, helping readers connect emotionally with the sailor’s longing and emphasizing the powerful bond between the speaker and the ocean.
Students can identify figurative language in the poem, illustrate its meaning with storyboard squares, and explain how each example enhances their understanding of the speaker’s feelings and the poem’s tone.
Creating a storyboard helps students visually interpret figurative language, making abstract ideas clearer and encouraging deeper analysis of how language shapes the poem’s mood and message.
Figurative language enriches poetry by conveying complex emotions and imagery. Teaching it to grades 6-12 helps students develop critical thinking and interpretive skills essential for literary analysis.