I Shall Go Back Again

Name: I Shall Go Back Again
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the inevitability of change. The speaker expresses a desire to return to a familiar, desolate shore, symbolizing a retreat to a simpler, more authentic existence. The imagery of building a shanty on the sand suggests a temporary and fragile shelter, reflecting the transient nature of life and relationships. The speaker acknowledges a past love, recognizing its fleeting nature and the emotional weight it carries. The love is described as momentary, highlighting the contrast between ephemeral feelings and the enduring landscape of the shore. The speaker resolves to leave behind the complexities of love and human connection, seeking solace in the unchanging elements of nature. As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the permanence of the natural world, contrasting it with the impermanence of human emotions. The sullen rocks and skies serve as a reminder of the past, evoking a sense of melancholy but also a sense of peace in returning to a place that remains constant despite personal changes. Ultimately, the work conveys a journey towards self-acceptance and a recognition that true happiness may lie in embracing solitude and the familiar, rather than in the pursuit of transient relationships. The speaker's decision to leave signifies a turning point, suggesting a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1940 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Nature Poetry · 139 words

First lines

I shall go back again to the bleak shore

And build a little shanty on the sand, In such a way that the extremest band

Of brittle seaweed will escape my door

But by a yard or two; and nevermore

What this Textopian page supports

I Shall Go Back Again is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1940 CE.

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

Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1940 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Confessional Poetry
Length: 139 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Modernist Poetry — The poem employs modernist themes of disillusionment and individual experience.
Nature Poetry — The imagery of the shore and natural elements highlights the connection to nature.
Romantic Poetry — Themes of love and personal longing align with romantic poetry traditions.