Poetry · Chapter
Parting explained
A father contemplates leaving his three young sons to travel to far eastern lands, expressing concern about how they will cope in his absence while acknowledging they will likely manage fine without him.
What happens
A father contemplates leaving his three young sons to travel to far eastern lands, expressing concern about how they will cope in his absence while acknowledging they will likely manage fine without him.
Themes in this chapter
Childhood and Family
The poem centers on a father's departure from his three young sons, highlighting family bonds and the emotional weight of separation.
Innocence and Growth
The father's rhetorical question about the boys missing him and his resigned conclusion that they will 'get along all right' touches on the resilience and natural growth of children away from parental presence.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The father who must leave his little ones and three small sons for a journey through far eastern lands.
- Brother Jim
One of the three small sons left behind.
- Brother John
One of the three small sons left behind.
Key passages
“I've got to leave my little ones And journey through far eastern lands.”
I must depart from my young children to travel across distant eastern territories.
The narrator states the necessity of leaving his children for a long journey.
“Boys, will you miss me when I go? Will you be wretched while your dear Papa is absent from you? No, You'll get along all right, I fear.”
My sons, will you feel my absence and be unhappy while I am away? No, I suspect you will manage perfectly well without me.
The father asks if his sons will suffer from his absence but concludes they will be fine, with a hint of ironic resignation.