Youth and Love, Number II
The poem explores the journey of youth as a metaphorical passage along a highway. It depicts the allure of worldly pleasures and distractions, represented by gardens and pavilions, which beckon the young traveler. Despite these temptations, the youth is driven by a sense of purpose or destiny, choosing to continue on his path. The imagery of stars and the moonless night emphasizes the abundance of these temptations. The youth acknowledges these distractions with a fleeting gesture or word, but remains focused on his journey, symbolizing the transient nature of youthful experiences and the pursuit of a greater calling.
By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1885 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Coming-of-Age · 127 words
First lines
To the heart of youth the world is a highwayside.
Passing forever, he fares; and on either hand, / Deep in the gardens golden pavilions hide, / Nestle in orchard bloom, and far on the level land / Call him with lighted lamp in the eventide.
Thick as the stars at night when the moon is down, / Pleasures assail him. He to his nobler fate / Fares; and but waves a hand as he passes on, / Cries but a wayside word to her at the garden gate, / Sings but a boyish stave and his face is gone.
What this Textopian page supports
Youth and Love, Number II is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1885 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: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction
- Length: 127 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Youth and Love, Number II by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Romance — The central theme of love and the interplay between youthful passion and fleeting encounters underscore the work’s romantic focus.
- Poetry — The text is structured in lyrical verse, emphasizing imagery, rhythm, and a reflective tone characteristic of poetic works.
- Coming-of-Age — Exploration of youth and its transient, transformative experiences align the work with coming-of-age themes.
- Literary Fiction — The refined language and introspective narrative style situate the work within the broader framework of literary fiction.
Tags
romance · coming-of-age · youthfulness · passion · sentimentality · adventure · nostalgia · emotion · idealism · introspection · friendship · melancholy
More by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Treasure Island (1883)
- The Pavilion on the Links (1909)
- Olalla (1885)
- A Child's Garden of Verses (1885)
- Father Damien, An Open Letter To The Reverend Doctor Hyde Of Honolulu (1914)
- A Lowden Sabbath Morn (1916)
- Songs of Travel and Other Verses (1908)
- Prayers Written At Vailima (1916)
- All works by Robert Louis Stevenson