The word “amen” is an affirmative statement that is usually used to respond to or conclude a prayer. It first appeared in the Hebrew Bible and is used in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religions. By concluding his tale with “amen,” the seafarer suggests that his tale is a metaphor for the journey of a pious Christian who suffers for “the love of God / And the hope of Heaven.” Therefore, his account is at least partially didactic because it establishes a path of righteousness for readers to follow in order to reach heaven in the afterlife.
A “pyre” is a pile of combustible material that is usually used to burn a dead body during a funeral. The seafarer believes that a good, wise person must always practice courage, humility, chastity, and kindness even if there are enemies seeking to destroy her.
The noun “rancor” refers to bitterness or a long-standing, deep-seated resentment. The seafarer means that the living heap “earthly praise” on the dead, even if their fame and wealth arise from hatred and bitterness.
The adjective “fervent” refers to passion or intensity of emotion. The seafarer suggests that his drive to return to the sea is akin to accepting God’s will—for, despite the suffering that awaits him, the joys of serving God far outweigh the temporary pleasures and passions of earthly life.
The verb “to admonish” means to advise or warn against something. Despite the warmth and comfort of summer, which starkly contrasts with earlier images of icy winter storms, the seafarer feels compelled to go out to sea again. In this context, the beauty of blossoming orchards and fields that “grow lovely as the world springs fresh” prompt, or advise, the seafarer to embark on another journey.
"the sails unfurl..."See in text(Text of the Poem)
The verb “to unfurl” means to unfold, usually in order to be open to the wind. The seafarer suggests that, just as the sails of a ship unfurl to the wind, the sea-wanderer opens himself to the will of God and Fate.
The noun “kinsman” is another word for relative, or a person to whom one is related by blood. Life at sea is so miserable that seafarers cannot even find comfort in their families.
The noun “mewing” refers to the characteristic, high-pitched sound made by seagulls. The seafarer reinforces the poem’s increasingly depressing tone by vividly describing the visual and aural images around him.
