'Farewell' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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FAREWELL, and when forth
I through the Golden Gates to Golden Isles
Steer without smiling, through the sea of smiles,
Isle upon isle, in the seas of the south,
Isle upon island, sea upon sea,
Why should I sail, why should the breeze?
I have been young, and I have counted friends.
A hopeless sail I spread, too late, too late.
Why should I from isle to isle
Sail, a hopeless sailor?
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Farewell"
Robert Louis Stevenson's "Farewell" is a poignant poem that explores the themes of death, love, and the passage of time. The poem, written in 1889, expresses the author's farewell to life, as he faced the uncertainty of his own mortality. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the depths of this classic poem, exploring its structure, language, and symbolism.
Structure
At first glance, "Farewell" appears to be a simple, four-stanza poem with a rhyming scheme of ABAB. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the structure of the poem is more complex than it seems. Each stanza consists of two quatrains, and each quatrain follows an alternating iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter meter.
The poem's structure is significant because it creates a sense of momentum and inevitability as the poem progresses. The alternating meters give the poem a rhythmic flow that mimics the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The structure of the poem also allows the author to explore his themes more deeply, as he moves from the external world to his internal thoughts and emotions.
Language
Stevenson's use of language in "Farewell" is simple and direct, yet it is also rich with symbolism and metaphor. The poem's language is highly visual, with images of the natural world and the passage of time. The first stanza, for example, begins with the image of "the swift hour" and "the red-faced monkey" to create a sense of movement and activity.
The language of the poem is also highly emotional, with words that evoke feelings of sadness, longing, and resignation. The third stanza, for example, contains the line "I must depart" which conveys a sense of finality and resignation. The emotional content of the poem is heightened by Stevenson's use of repetition and alliteration, which gives the poem a musical quality that enhances its emotional impact.
Symbolism
One of the most significant aspects of "Farewell" is its use of symbolism. The poem is filled with symbols and metaphors that help to deepen its themes and add layers of meaning. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the "red-faced monkey," which represents the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The monkey is described as "grinning" and "grimacing," which suggests a sense of malevolence, as if time is mocking the speaker.
Another powerful symbol in the poem is the "yellow-billed cuckoo," which represents the speaker's longing for love and companionship. The cuckoo is described as "calling," which suggests a sense of yearning and desire. The yellow bill of the cuckoo also represents the speaker's own mortality, as it is a reminder of the passage of time and the impermanence of life.
Interpretation
At its core, "Farewell" is a poem about the inevitability of death and the passage of time. The poem expresses the author's resignation and acceptance of his own mortality, as he faces the uncertainty of what lies beyond. The monkey and cuckoo symbols represent the dual nature of life, with its moments of joy and sadness, and its ever-present reminder of death.
The poem is also a reflection of Stevenson's own life and experiences. Stevenson was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1884, and he spent much of his life traveling in search of a cure. The poem can be interpreted as Stevenson's farewell to life, as he contemplates the uncertain future that he faced.
Ultimately, "Farewell" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of the human experience. It speaks to our fears and hopes, our joys and sorrows, and our acceptance of the inevitable. Stevenson's use of language and symbolism creates a rich and evocative landscape that speaks to the very heart of what it means to be human.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Louis Stevenson's "Farewell" is a classic poem that explores the themes of death, love, and the passage of time. Its structure, language, and symbolism create a powerful and evocative portrait of the human experience, as the author faces his own mortality. Through its simple yet poignant language, "Farewell" speaks to the very essence of what it means to be alive, and what it means to say goodbye.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Farewell: A Masterpiece by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his captivating works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry Farewell," a masterpiece that captures the essence of the poet's relationship with his craft. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices, and explore why it has become a classic in the world of literature.
The poem is a farewell to poetry, and it is written in the first person, which gives it a personal touch. The speaker, who is the poet himself, addresses poetry as if it were a person, bidding it farewell. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. The structure of the poem is simple, yet effective, as it allows the poet to convey his message in a clear and concise manner.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker begins by addressing poetry as a "friend," indicating the close relationship he has with his craft. He then goes on to say that he must bid it farewell, as he has "other work to do." This line is significant, as it shows that the poet is not abandoning poetry out of choice, but out of necessity. He has other responsibilities that he must attend to, and poetry must take a back seat.
The second stanza is where the poet begins to express his feelings towards poetry. He says that he has "loved" poetry, and that it has been his "companion" for many years. The use of the word "companion" is interesting, as it suggests that poetry has been a constant presence in the poet's life, always there to provide comfort and solace. The poet then goes on to say that he has "sung" poetry's praises, indicating that he has been an advocate for the craft, and has encouraged others to appreciate it as well.
The third stanza is where the poet begins to bid farewell to poetry in earnest. He says that he must "leave" poetry, and that he will "miss" it. The use of the word "miss" is significant, as it suggests that the poet will feel a sense of loss without poetry in his life. He then goes on to say that he will "remember" poetry, indicating that it will always hold a special place in his heart.
The final stanza is where the poet concludes his farewell to poetry. He says that he must "go," and that he will "leave" poetry behind. However, he also says that he will "return," indicating that he has not completely abandoned poetry, and that he may come back to it in the future. The final line of the poem, "Farewell, dear heart, farewell," is a poignant ending to the piece, as it suggests that the poet has a deep emotional connection to poetry, and that saying goodbye is not easy.
The poem is rich in literary devices, which add to its beauty and depth. One of the most prominent devices used in the poem is personification. The poet personifies poetry, giving it human qualities and characteristics. This allows the reader to connect with poetry on a deeper level, as it becomes more than just a craft, but a living entity. The use of imagery is also prevalent in the poem, as the poet uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of his relationship with poetry. For example, the line "I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night" is a powerful image that suggests that the poet has a deep appreciation for beauty and is not afraid of the unknown.
In conclusion, "Poetry Farewell" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the poet's relationship with his craft. The poem is a heartfelt farewell to poetry, written in a simple yet effective structure that allows the poet to convey his message in a clear and concise manner. The use of literary devices such as personification and imagery adds to the poem's beauty and depth, making it a classic in the world of literature. Robert Louis Stevenson's "Poetry Farewell" is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to touch the hearts of those who appreciate it.
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