Final answer:
The theme of the poem "A Life on the Ocean Wave" by Epes Sargent is conveyed through lines expressing a longing for freedom and adventure, comparing the speaker to a caged eagle and highlighting their desire for the sea over the dull shore.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of a poem often reflects the underlying message or central idea that the poet wants to convey. In the poem "A Life on the Ocean Wave" by Epes Sargent, the lines that contribute to determining the theme are:
- "A life on the ocean wave, A home on the rolling deep,"
- "Like an eagle caged, I pine On this dull, unchanging shore."
These lines suggest a theme of longing for freedom and adventure. The comparison of the speaker to a caged eagle conveys a sense of confinement and a desire to escape to the open and unpredictable sea. This contrasts with their current state, tethered to the monotonous and unchanging land. The mention of the 'rolling deep' and 'flashing brine' further emphasizes the author's fascination with the dynamic and liberating nature of the ocean.