The Farewell
The poem explores themes of transient relationships and the inevitability of forgetting. The speaker bids farewell to a companion, acknowledging the fleeting nature of their connection. The speaker expresses a sense of resignation, suggesting that the companion will soon move on, absorbed by the distractions of life and new acquaintances. The speaker reflects on the pain of parting, recognizing that memories will fade as the companion encounters others who will capture their attention and affection. The emotional weight of the farewell is palpable, as the speaker grapples with the idea that their bond, once cherished, will be overshadowed by the passage of time and the arrival of new experiences. The tone is melancholic, underscoring the bittersweet nature of human connections. The speaker's lamentation reveals a deep understanding of the human tendency to forget, emphasizing the fragility of relationships. The poem concludes with a poignant realization that perhaps it would have been better never to have met at all, as the brief encounter only leads to inevitable sorrow and loss. Overall, the work encapsulates the complexities of love, memory, and the human experience of parting, leaving a lasting impression of the heart's vulnerability in the face of change.
By Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis · First published 1858 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 184 words
First lines
Farewell! -- but thou wilt soon forget The stranger thou hast seen, And in the gay and busy world, Forget that I have been.
And thought of me will scarce intrude, When other forms are nigh; Who, decked in beauty's bright array, Shall pass before thine eye.
Another's lips will charm thee then, Another's voice will praise; Thou wilt forget we e'er have met In past and happy days.
And thou wilt scarcely deign to think Of friendship's early dream, Or cast one glance, in after years, On this poor offering.
What this Textopian page supports
The Farewell is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis, dated 1858 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis
- Date: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Elegy, Sentimentalism
- Length: 184 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Farewell by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Farewell?
- How does this poem by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Past Joys by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis
- Camps And Trails by Henry Abbott
- Such Help For Singing by Helen Hay Whitney
- Hours Of Childhood by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis
- Age by Helen Hay Whitney
- A Poets Wife by Alice Meynell
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey emotions.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, loss, and nostalgia align with Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The tone reflects mourning and farewell, typical of elegiac poetry.
Tags
memoir · autobiography · biographical · historical · non-fiction · American · 19th century · abolitionist · women's rights · social justice · family history · personal narrative