A Sea Dream
The poem describes a dream where the speaker is at sea, surrounded by ships and sailors. The dream is vivid and realistic, with the speaker feeling the wind in their hair and the spray of the ocean on their face. However, the dream takes a darker turn as the speaker becomes aware that they are not in control of the ship, and that it is being steered by an unseen force. The poem explores themes of powerlessness and the fragility of human existence.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1850 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 803 words
First lines
We saw the slow tides go and come, The curving surf-lines lightly drawn, The gray rocks touched with tender bloom Beneath the fresh-blown rose of dawn.
We saw in richer sunsets lost The sombre pomp of showery noons; And signalled spectral sails that crossed The weird, low light of rising moons.
What this Textopian page supports
A Sea Dream is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1850 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1850 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Elegy, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 803 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Sea Dream by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Sea Dream?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, nostalgia, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid descriptions of the sea and landscape highlight the beauty and power of nature.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and memory, evoking a sense of mourning.
Tags
Poetry · Nautical · Romance · Dreams · Imagination · Fantasy · Symbolism · Nature · Beauty · Longing · Yearning · Hope