'The Far-Farers' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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THE broad sun,
The bright day:
White sails
On the blue bay:
The far-farers
Draw away.
Light the fires
And close the door.
To the old homes,
To the loved shore,
The far-farers
Return no more.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Far-Farers by Robert Louis Stevenson: A Tale of Adventure and Imagination
If you are looking for a captivating tale of adventure, imagination, and exploration, The Far-Farers by Robert Louis Stevenson is definitely the right choice for you. This classic poem tells the story of a group of sailors who embark on a perilous journey to unknown lands beyond the horizon, seeking adventure, riches, and glory.
Background and Context
Robert Louis Stevenson is a renowned Scottish writer, best known for his novels Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Kidnapped. However, he was also a prolific poet, and The Far-Farers is one of his most famous poems, first published in 1885 as part of his collection of verses called A Child's Garden of Verses.
The poem was inspired by Stevenson's fascination with the sea and his love for adventure, as well as his interest in mythology and folklore. The Far-Farers draws on a variety of sources, including Norse and Celtic legends, as well as Stevenson's own experiences as a traveler and explorer.
Analysis and Interpretation
The Far-Farers is a narrative poem that tells the story of a group of sailors who set out on a voyage to search for new lands beyond the horizon. The poem is divided into twelve stanzas, each of which describes a different phase of the journey, from the departure from home to the discovery of strange and wondrous lands.
The poem begins with a description of the sailors as they set out on their journey, full of hope and anticipation:
We were homeward bound one night on the deep
Swinging in my hammock I fell asleep
I dreamed a dream and I thought it true
Concerning Franklin and his gallant crew
The mention of Franklin and his crew is a reference to the ill-fated expedition led by Sir John Franklin in search of the Northwest Passage in the mid-19th century. This historical context adds depth to the poem and emphasizes the risks and dangers of exploration and adventure.
The poem then goes on to describe the journey itself, as the sailors brave storms and rough seas, and encounter strange and mysterious creatures:
We saw strange things, but never the like
Of what lie beyond my words to strike
For never was seen, nor shall be told
The marvels we saw and the things of old
The use of language here is particularly striking, as Stevenson's vivid descriptions create a sense of awe and wonder, as well as conveying the sailors' sense of disbelief and amazement at what they have seen.
Throughout the poem, there is a sense of tension and danger, as the sailors face perilous situations and unknown dangers:
We sailed and we sailed, as the winds might blow
Until at last, at last, we came to the shore
And there we saw, on the shadowy strand
Things that were wrought by no mortal hand
The use of repetition here emphasizes the sailors' long and difficult journey, as well as creating a sense of excitement and anticipation as they reach their destination.
In the final stanzas of the poem, there is a sense of bittersweet nostalgia, as the sailors look back on their journey and reflect on the things they have seen and experienced:
We have been afar, we have been to the skies
We have sailed the sea where the storm-fiend lies
We have seen strange things, but not stranger, I ween
Than what strange things in the past have been
The use of the past tense here emphasizes the sense of distance and nostalgia, as well as suggesting that the sailors' journey is now over and they have returned to the familiar world of home and hearth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Far-Farers is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the spirit of adventure and exploration, as well as the dangers and risks of venturing into the unknown. Through his use of vivid language and powerful imagery, Robert Louis Stevenson creates a sense of wonder and excitement, as well as a profound sense of nostalgia and longing for the unknown.
The Far-Farers is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers and inspire new generations of adventurers and explorers. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply a seeker of new horizons, this poem is definitely worth reading and savoring.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Far-Farers: A Journey Through Time and Space
Robert Louis Stevenson's poem, The Far-Farers, is a masterpiece of imagination and poetic expression. Written in 1885, the poem takes the reader on a journey through time and space, exploring the mysteries of the universe and the human spirit. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language of the poem, and discover the hidden meanings and messages that lie within.
The poem begins with a description of a group of sailors who are setting out on a voyage to the unknown. They are the "far-farers," the adventurers who seek to explore the uncharted waters of the world. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the journey that is about to unfold:
"We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;—
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems."
These lines are full of energy and excitement, as the sailors set out on their journey with a sense of purpose and adventure. They are the "music-makers," the ones who create the songs and stories that inspire others to follow in their footsteps. They are the "dreamers of dreams," the ones who imagine the impossible and make it a reality. And they are the "movers and shakers" of the world, the ones who change the course of history with their courage and determination.
As the sailors sail further and further away from the shore, they encounter strange and wondrous sights. They see "the silver apples of the moon, / The golden apples of the sun," and they marvel at the beauty and mystery of the universe. They encounter "the star-dials pointed to morn," and they realize that they are traveling through time as well as space. They see "the shadowy ship of the mist," and they are reminded of the dangers that lie ahead.
Throughout the poem, Stevenson uses vivid and evocative imagery to create a sense of wonder and awe. He describes the "purple twilight," the "crimson seas," and the "amber skies," painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and mysterious. He also uses sound and rhythm to create a sense of movement and energy, with lines like "We have come from the tides of the ocean / And the winds that range above, / From the depths where the sea-nymphs motion / Through the groves where the gods make love."
As the sailors continue on their journey, they encounter a series of challenges and obstacles. They face storms and tempests, and they are forced to navigate treacherous waters. They encounter sea monsters and other dangers, and they must use their wits and their courage to survive. But through it all, they remain steadfast and determined, never losing sight of their goal.
At the heart of the poem is a sense of adventure and exploration, a desire to discover the unknown and to push the boundaries of what is possible. The sailors are not content to stay in one place, to live a life of comfort and security. They are driven by a restless spirit, a need to see what lies beyond the horizon. They are the embodiment of the human spirit, always seeking to expand their knowledge and their experience of the world.
But there is also a sense of melancholy and longing in the poem, a recognition that the journey must eventually come to an end. The sailors know that they cannot sail forever, that they must eventually return to the shore from which they came. They are "world-losers and world-forsakers," leaving behind the comforts and security of home in search of something greater. And yet, they know that they cannot stay on the sea forever, that they must eventually return to the world they left behind.
In the final stanza of the poem, Stevenson brings the journey to a close, with the sailors returning to the shore from which they came. But even as they return, they are forever changed by their journey. They have seen things that others can only imagine, and they have experienced a sense of freedom and adventure that few will ever know. They are the "far-farers," the ones who have traveled to the ends of the earth and beyond, and they will always carry with them the memories of their journey.
In conclusion, The Far-Farers is a poem that celebrates the human spirit of adventure and exploration. It takes the reader on a journey through time and space, exploring the mysteries of the universe and the human soul. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Stevenson creates a sense of wonder and awe, inspiring the reader to imagine what lies beyond the horizon. And yet, even as the sailors return to the shore from which they came, they are forever changed by their journey, carrying with them the memories of their adventure. The Far-Farers is a timeless masterpiece of poetry, a tribute to the human spirit of exploration and discovery.
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