Departure by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: Departure
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of escape, existential longing, and the desire for freedom from emotional constraints. The speaker expresses a profound discontent with their current situation, feeling trapped within the confines of their home and heart. There is a strong yearning to break free, to embark on a journey without a predetermined destination, reflecting a desire for self-discovery and liberation. The speaker's indifference to the path they take signifies a rejection of societal expectations and norms. They seek solitude in a desolate landscape, away from the familiar and the mundane, indicating a wish to confront their inner turmoil without distractions. The imagery of walking until exhaustion and finding peace in isolation underscores a deep-seated need for release from emotional pain. The poem juxtaposes the speaker's internal struggle with a mundane interaction with their mother, highlighting the contrast between their profound feelings and the ordinary life around them. This moment serves to emphasize the isolation felt by the speaker, as they mask their true emotions behind a facade of normalcy. Ultimately, the work encapsulates a journey of the self, where the act of departure symbolizes a quest for authenticity and a break from the constraints of societal expectations. The speaker's desire to wander reflects a universal human longing for freedom and the search for meaning beyond the confines of everyday life.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 302 words

First lines

It's little I care what path I take, And where it leads it's little I care;

But out of this house, lest my heart break, I must go, and off somewhere.

What this Textopian page supports

Departure is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1920 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Existentialism, Modernism
Length: 302 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of individualism, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
Existentialism — The exploration of self, purpose, and the desire for freedom reflects existential themes.