Farewell by Robert Louis Stevenson

Name: Farewell
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem reflects on themes of departure, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The speaker contemplates leaving behind familiar shores for distant lands, symbolized by the "Golden Gates" and "Golden Isles." The imagery of sailing through a sea filled with smiles juxtaposes the speaker's internal struggle and sense of hopelessness. As the speaker navigates through memories of youth and friendships, there is a poignant recognition of lost opportunities and the inevitability of change. The repeated questioning of purpose—"Why should I sail?"—highlights a deep sense of uncertainty and resignation. The speaker feels like a "hopeless sailor," suggesting a lack of direction and fulfillment in the journey ahead. The poem captures the bittersweet nature of farewells, where the allure of new experiences is overshadowed by the weight of past connections and the realization that some journeys may lead to isolation rather than discovery. The emotional landscape is rich with longing and reflection, emphasizing the complexity of leaving behind what is known for the unknown. Ultimately, the work serves as a meditation on the human experience of transition, the inevitability of change, and the emotional toll of moving forward while grappling with the past. The speaker's internal conflict resonates with anyone who has faced the challenge of saying goodbye, making the themes universally relatable.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romanticism · 109 words

First lines

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?

What this Textopian page supports

Farewell is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1887 CE.

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

Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romanticism, Meditative Literature, Travel Literature
Length: 109 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured with rhythmic and lyrical qualities typical of poetry, focusing on emotional expression.
Literary Fiction — The themes of farewell, reflection, and the passage of time align with the characteristics of literary fiction.
Romanticism — The emphasis on personal emotion and nature reflects the ideals of the Romantic movement.
Meditative Literature — The contemplative nature of the text invites introspection and philosophical thought.