# The Slave Girl’s Farewell explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis.

## What happens

A young slave girl, unaware of her enslaved status, is forcibly separated from her mother when her master moves from the West Indies to Louisiana. She bids a tearful farewell, recalling childhood joys and fearing the violence and loneliness ahead, while seeking her mother's blessing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Separation and Loss

The poem centers on the forced separation of a daughter from her mother, highlighting the cruelty of slavery.

### Slavery and Oppression

The girl's realization of her enslavement and the master's absolute power to tear families apart.

## Character check-ins

### Poor Afric

The slave girl who is forcibly separated from her mother and taken across the sea.

### Mother

The mother left behind in the West Indies, weeping as her daughter is taken away.

## Key lines

> Mother, I leave thee⁠—thou hast been, Through long, long years of pain, The only hope my fond heart knew; Or e’er shall know again.

Mother, I am leaving you. You have been my only comfort through years of suffering, and I will never have that comfort again.

_The girl expresses her deep emotional dependence on her mother._

> I knew not then I was a slave, Or that another’s will, Save thine, could bend my spirit’s pride; Or bid my lips be still.

I did not realize I was a slave, or that anyone besides you could control my will or silence me.

_The girl reflects on her lost innocence and the sudden awareness of her enslavement._

> Who now will soothe me at my toil, Or bathe my weary brow? Or shield me when the heavy lash Is raised to give the blow?

Who will comfort me while I work, cool my tired forehead, or protect me from the whip?

_She fears the physical abuse and lack of care she will face without her mother._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_20_se/chapters/the-slave-girl-s-farewell
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_20_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_20_se/chapters