The Central Idea
"Even in the face of death, life should go on as usual."
The poet calmly accepts the idea of dying and asks others not to close the balcony, which symbolises staying connected with the world. He wants to show that death is a natural part of life, and that life, with its simple joys, should continue without sadness or interruption, as children enjoy eating fruits and people keep themselves busy at work.
Summary
The poem "Farewell" is a short but deeply emotional piece written in the voice of someone who is near death or contemplating their departure from life. The speaker makes a simple, heartfelt request: "If I die, leave the balcony open." This line, repeated at the beginning and the end, acts as both an instruction and a poetic symbol.
From this open balcony, the speaker observes and hears the ordinary, beautiful aspects of life continuing around him. He sees a little boy eating oranges, a gentle and innocent act of everyday life. He also hears a reaper harvesting wheat, a traditional image of both life’s labour and, symbolically, death (as the reaper often represents mortality).
Despite the possibility of his own death, the speaker does not ask for mourning or ceremony. Instead, he wants the world to go on as it is, with the balcony open, suggesting a connection to life, openness to nature, and an acceptance of death without interruption to life’s natural course.
Interpretation
The poem “Farewell” is very short, but it expresses deep thoughts about life, death, and acceptance. It begins and ends with the same request:
“If I die, leave the balcony open.”
This line is simple, but full of meaning. The speaker seems calm and accepting of death. He does not want his death to disturb the natural world. Instead of asking people to mourn or close the door, he asks them to keep the balcony open to let the air, light, and sounds of life continue to flow.
Symbolism in the Poem
The Balcony:
The balcony is a symbol of connection between the speaker and the outside world. It is a place where he can see and hear what is happening outside. By asking to keep it open, he shows his desire to remain connected with life, even after death. It also suggests openness, freedom, and peace.
The Little Boy Eating Oranges:
The boy represents innocence, youth, and everyday life. Eating oranges is a simple, joyful action. It shows that life continues in small, beautiful ways.
The Reaper Harvesting Wheat:
The reaper is a traditional symbol of death, but here, he is also part of nature’s cycle. Harvesting wheat means gathering the fruits of hard work and preparing for the future. So, it may also symbolise the natural rhythm of life and death.
Tone and Emotion
The tone of the poem is gentle, peaceful, and accepting. The speaker is not afraid. He does not talk about pain or fear of dying. Instead, he notices life going on around him, like children eating fruit, farmers working in the field. These simple details show the poet’s deep love for life and his wish that it should not be interrupted or changed by his death.
Main Message
The main message of the poem is: Even if someone dies, life should go on. People should continue to live, enjoy nature, do their work, and appreciate the small things. Death is not something to fear or hide from: it is just a part of life’s journey. The poet asks for no special treatment or sadness; he only wants the world to stay open and alive.
Understanding
1. Why does the speaker want the balcony left open?
The speaker wants the balcony left open so that the natural sights and sounds of life can continue to come in. It shows that he accepts death peacefully and wants life to go on as usual.
2. What will the speaker see and hear?The speaker will see a little boy eating oranges and hear the sound of a reaper harvesting wheat. These are simple and peaceful images of daily life.
Rhetoric/Language/Writing
1. What function does the repetition of the word "balcony" have?
The repetition of the word "balcony" helps to show how important it is to the speaker. It also creates a peaceful and calm feeling, and it connects the speaker with the outside world, even in death.
2. What sensory images do you find in this poem?The poem uses sight and sound images. We can see the little boy eating oranges and hear the reaper cutting wheat. These sensory details help us imagine the scene clearly and feel the calmness of everyday life.
3. Why has the poet given a conditional opening to the poem? What does it imply?The poet begins with "If I die," which is a conditional sentence. It means the speaker is thinking about death, but not in a fearful way. It shows acceptance and peace. He is not sure when he will die, but he wants life to continue normally when he does.
Discussion
1. What thoughts do you have concerning a farewell?
A farewell is a sad but natural part of life. It means saying goodbye, either for a short time or forever. It can be hard, but it also reminds us to value the time we have with people. A peaceful farewell, like in the poem, shows love and acceptance.
2. Give your own interpretation of the poem.
The poem shows that death is not something to fear. The speaker wants the balcony left open, meaning life should go on. He sees a child eating and hears a man working. These are simple, everyday moments. The speaker accepts death quietly and wants the world to remain full of life.
The speaker is someone who knows they may die soon. It could be a man or a woman. The gender does not really matter because the feelings of peace, acceptance, and love for life are the same for everyone. The message of the poem is universal.
4. Discuss "The Farewell" as a life-affirming poem.
"Farewell" is a life-affirming poem because it focuses on the beauty of life even in the face of death. The speaker does not talk about fear or sadness. Instead, they notice the joy of a child eating and the calm work of a farmer. By asking to leave the balcony open, the speaker shows that life should continue with light, air, and simple moments. This gives a positive and peaceful message.
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