Poem Analysis - The Farewell

Introduction: A Poignant Parting

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "The Farewell" is a melancholic exploration of love and sacrifice in the face of war. The poem paints a vivid picture of a knight departing for battle, leaving behind his beloved. While the knight is filled with dreams of glory, the poem focuses primarily on the lady's quiet suffering and the agonizing uncertainty she faces. The tone is somber and filled with foreboding, shifting from a somewhat romanticized view of the knight's departure to a stark portrayal of the lady's enduring pain.

Themes of Love and Sacrifice

The poem grapples with the themes of love and sacrifice, particularly the sacrifices demanded of women during times of war. The lady's love is evident in her warm kiss and the rose she bestows upon her knight, but her true devotion lies in her willingness to endure loneliness and fear for his sake. This sacrifice is highlighted in the lines, "Yet keeping still her pain apart / From the wan duties of the day," demonstrating her dedication to maintaining a facade of normalcy despite her inner turmoil. The knight, too, makes a sacrifice, leaving behind his love for duty and the pursuit of glory, a choice laden with potential consequences.

The Isolation of Grief

Another prominent theme is the isolation of grief. The lady is left alone with her anxieties, her "lonely vigil" a stark contrast to the knight's active participation in battle. This isolation is emphasized through the imagery of the dawn, each one bringing "presages of fear and woe." The poem conveys a sense of her being trapped in a cycle of worry and prayer, highlighting the emotional burden placed on those left behind. Even when the knight dies alone on a battlefield, the poem is much more focused on the lady at home than the knight abroad.

Symbolism of Light and Darkness

The poem uses light and darkness as recurring symbols to represent hope and despair. The "dim-lit balcony" and "ashen dawnlights" create a sense of gloom and uncertainty, reflecting the lady's emotional state. In contrast, the knight is described as wearing warlike "blazonry," which might be interpreted as bright or gleaming armour. These contrast with the "chill death-dews damp the hair" which represents loss and possibly death. These symbols contribute to the overall atmosphere of sadness and foreboding, emphasizing the precarious nature of life and the ever-present threat of loss.

Concluding Thoughts: A Woman's Quiet Strength

"The Farewell" is not simply a tale of a knight's departure; it's a poignant portrait of a woman's strength and resilience in the face of adversity. While the knight rides off to seek glory, the poem highlights the lady's quiet heroism in enduring the emotional toll of war. The poem offers a glimpse into the sacrifices made by those left behind, challenging the romanticized notions of warfare and underscoring the enduring power of love and devotion in the face of loss. The poem also causes one to wonder whether the knight is even worthy of the sacrifice she is making, a question that adds depth to the poem's meaning.