A Farewell by Langston Hughes (1940)
The poem explores themes of departure, longing, and the contrast between different lifestyles. The speaker expresses a desire to seek fortune and adventure among wanderers, contrasting their life with those who remain in a more settled, familiar environment. The imagery of gypsies and sailors symbolizes freedom and the pursuit of dreams, while the mention of "pious folk" suggests a more conventional, perhaps restrictive existence. The speaker acknowledges a sense of inevitability in their departure, indicating that those left behind will not feel the absence. This highlights a disconnect between the speaker's aspirations and the lives of those who are content in their familiar surroundings. The hills represent stability and tradition, while the seas symbolize the unknown and the potential for new experiences. As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the emotional weight of leaving, suggesting a bittersweet farewell. The journey is not just physical but also metaphorical, representing a quest for identity and purpose. The contrast between the speaker's adventurous spirit and the static lives of others underscores a universal tension between the desire for exploration and the comfort of home. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the struggle between the call of the unknown and the ties of belonging, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of their own journeys and the sacrifices that come with pursuing one's dreams. The farewell serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human experience, where the pursuit of fortune often necessitates leaving behind the familiar.
By Langston Hughes · First published 1940 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 62 words
First lines
With gypsies and sailors, Wanderers of the hills and seas, I go to seek my fortune.
With pious folk and fair I must have a parting.
But you will not miss me --
You who live between the hills And have never seen the seas.
What this Textopian page supports
A Farewell is listed on Textopian as a poem by Langston Hughes, 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: Langston Hughes
- Date: 1940 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Modernism, Narrative
- Length: 62 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on departure and longing.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, wanderlust, and individual experience align with Romantic ideals.
- Modernism — The poem's exploration of identity and existential themes reflects modernist characteristics.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century · African American · Loss · Goodbye · Farewell · Emotional · Introspective · Personal · Autobiographical · Symbolic