# A Farewell explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Langston Hughes.

## What happens

The speaker announces a departure from a settled life among the hills to wander with gypsies and sailors in search of fortune, acknowledging a parting from pious and fair folk but asserting that those who have never seen the seas will not miss them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Urban Life and Alienation

The speaker's departure from the hills to wander with gypsies and sailors suggests a move toward a more transient, possibly urban existence, and a sense of alienation from those left behind.

### Resilience and Joy

The speaker's active choice to seek fortune and adventure reflects a resilient and hopeful spirit, embracing the unknown.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who declares their farewell and intent to wander.

### Gypsy Man

One of the wandering companions the speaker will join.

### Young Sailor

Another wandering companion the speaker will join.

## Key lines

> With gypsies and sailors, Wanderers of the hills and seas, I go to seek my fortune.

I am leaving with gypsies and sailors, people who roam the hills and oceans, to find my own luck.

_The speaker aligns with nomadic figures to pursue a better life._

> But you will not miss me⁠— You who live between the hills And have never seen the seas.

But you, who stay in the hills and have never seen the ocean, won't even notice I'm gone.

_The speaker suggests a disconnect between themselves and those who remain in a familiar, landlocked place._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters/a-farewell
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters