# Parting explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/parting
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters