# Now Finalè to the Shore explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## What happens

The chapter presents a final farewell to land and life, urging the voyager to embark on an endless cruise, leaving behind the safety of port and the ties of friendship, embracing a secret wish for an eternal journey.

## Themes in this chapter

### Death and Immortality

The final departure and endless cruise symbolize death as a transition to an immortal journey.

### Individuality and Self

The voyager obeys a 'cherish'd secret wish,' emphasizing personal fulfillment and self-determination.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The narrator addresses the voyager, urging departure and farewell.

### Old Salt Kossabone

Referenced as 'old Sailor' embarking on the final voyage.

## Key lines

> Now finalè to the shore, Now land and life finalè and farewell, Now Voyager depart, (much, much for thee is yet in store,)

This is the end of the shore, the end of land and life; now say goodbye, traveler, for there is still much awaiting you.

_The opening lines announce a definitive farewell and promise of future experiences._

> But now obey thy cherish’d secret wish, Embrace thy friends, leave all in order, To port and hawser’s tie no more returning, Depart upon thy endless cruise old Sailor.

Now follow your deepest desire, say goodbye to your friends, set everything in order, and never come back to the safety of the harbor—set out on your infinite journey, old sailor.

_The final lines urge the voyager to fulfill a secret wish and embark on an eternal voyage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/now-final-to-the-shore
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters