Dauber: A Poem

Name: Dauber: A Poem
Author: John Masefield

By John Masefield

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Poetry

About This Book

The poem follows a young shipboard painter who signs on to learn the sea in order to render ships and seascapes authentically. Ridiculed and bullied by crewmates, he studies light, motion, and ship life, sketching furtively until fellow sailors destroy his drawings. Left with humiliation and determination, he watches the ship by night, resolving that his art will record the vessel's movements, the colours of water and sky, and the quiet interior scenes of seamen. Themes include artistic obsession, isolation among practical men, the harsh life at sea, and the tension between creative aspiration and everyday cruelty.

About the Author

John Masefield

John Masefield was an English poet, novelist, and playwright, known for his vivid storytelling and lyrical style. Born in 1878, he gained prominence in the early 20th century, contributing significantly to English literature. Masefield's works often explore themes of adventure, the sea, and human experience. His notable works include the narrative poem "A Ballad of John Silver," which draws inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," and the poignant war poem "Gallipoli," reflecting on the horrors of conflict. Masefield served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1930 until his death in 1967, leaving a lasting legacy in the literary world.