# Homeward Bound explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Henry van Dyke Jr..

## What happens

A poem of perilous homecoming during wartime, as a ship navigates the dangerous Atlantic in May 1917, evading German U-boats with stealth and courage, while the speaker prays for safe passage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Duty and Patriotism

The British mariners are portrayed as brave and steady, ready to face the enemy, embodying duty and national pride.

### The Pilgrimage of Life

The journey homeward through peril reflects life's pilgrimage, with faith and hope guiding the traveler through danger.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker whose heart calls for home, sailing through danger.

### the Captain

The only one who knows the westward course, guiding the ship through hidden channels.

## Key lines

> Home, for my heart still calls me; Home, through the danger zone; Home, whatever befalls me, I will sail again to my own!

My heart yearns for home, and despite the perils of the journey, I am determined to return to my loved ones.

_The speaker expresses unwavering resolve to reach home, even in the face of mortal danger._

> Brave are the men, and steady, Who guide her over the deep⁠— British mariners, ready To face the sea-wolf’s leap.

The British sailors who steer the ship are courageous and composed, prepared to confront the attacking U-boats.

_A tribute to the crew's valor and professionalism under threat._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/homeward-bound
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters