Five Visions of Captain Cook - IV

This vision looks explores Captain Cook through the eyes of the midshipmen. Through this we understand how Cook interacts with the men he sailed with and why he had the respect he did. Initially Cook is introduced to one as a godly figure, with Slessor writing sometimes god would fold his wings It is in this metaphor that we understand that Cook was seen as a saint like figure, however, despite the admiration the men had for Cook, he was still respectful and willing to spend time with these midshipmen. The action of Fold(ing) his wings reflects a highly respected, saint-like man choosing to interact with the men under him in a very relaxed way. The above idea is further enforced through the notion of the Stone of Caesar turning to flesh as now something that was once idolized and almost untouchable is now real and tangible. The next stanza develops the ideas of the conversations the midshipmen and cook would have. A satirical tone is brought in as the men discuss the most important things such as the lack of rum which enhances this idea of cook now being taken off the pedestal the sailors had once put him on and becoming a real and relatable person . Despite the informal and casual tone of the conversations the men have with Cook one can see the respect the men still have for cook as they are metaphorically hungry to learn from him, as schoolboys, five days dumb The third stanza gives insight into the life of a sailor by suggesting that sailors do not have time to mourn or reminisce about their home life. Here an accusatory tone brought in through the questioning of What midshipmen would pause to mourn This suggests that no strong tough sailor should have time to reminisce about home, or to get worked up about the unpredictable nature and duality of the sea. Through this one also can see that this idea of Cook being brought back from this god like figure to a mortal, and at times vulnerable human being. Stanza 4 reinforces the notion that these men do not have time to reminisce or to reflect as they have jobs to do in order to survive the seas. The metaphorical hugging of the weather-side of yards creates the imagery of the men pulling the masts/sails down and holding them in their arms. This depiction of one of the duties reflects the connectedness these men have to sea-life as mariners Line 3 in this stanza quotes Cook saying cats to catch mice before they purr these words spoken by Cook both asserts his authority as a well respected captain and metaphorical reflects his expectation of his men to work before they play. The final stanza takes one out to the bigger picture of cook and his men mapping the coast in small boats. It is here one sees the duality of the sea having both the ability to help or hinder as it offers food and freedom, wind and storm The final stanza also suggest the respect people held for Cook as a result of his readiness and intelligence when out as sea, having one eye cocked for game