Farewell – Li Qingzhao
Introduction
Li Qingzhao (1084–1155) was a celebrated Chinese poet of the Song dynasty. "Farewell" is a poignant poem included in the NEB Class 12 English syllabus, expressing the pain of parting and the enduring power of memory and love.
Summary
The poem captures the emotional turmoil of saying goodbye to a loved one. The speaker reflects on cherished memories and the sorrow of separation, using vivid imagery to convey longing and heartache. Despite the pain, the poem suggests that love and memories persist, offering comfort and hope.
Detailed Summary of "Farewell"
"Farewell" by Li Qingzhao is a heartfelt poem that captures the deep pain and longing experienced when parting from a loved one. The speaker reflects on the beauty of past moments shared together, using images of nature—such as falling flowers, gentle rain, and the changing seasons—to express the sadness of separation. Each memory is both a comfort and a source of sorrow, reminding the speaker of what has been lost.
The poem’s language is gentle and lyrical, filled with metaphors that highlight the emotional weight of saying goodbye. The speaker’s heart aches with loneliness, but she finds solace in the memories that remain vivid and alive. The poem moves through waves of grief, nostalgia, and quiet hope, showing how love endures even when people are apart.
By the end, the speaker begins to accept the reality of separation, drawing strength from the knowledge that love and cherished memories can never truly be taken away. "Farewell" encourages readers to value their relationships and to find hope and resilience in the face of change and loss. The poem’s universal themes make it deeply relatable for anyone who has experienced the pain of parting.
Themes & Analysis
- Separation and Loss: The pain of parting from a loved one.
- Memory: The enduring power of memories to comfort and sustain us.
- Love: The strength of love to transcend distance and time.
Speaker
- The Poet (Speaker): Expresses deep emotion and longing for a loved one.
Important Vocabulary
- Farewell: Goodbye; an act of parting.
- Longing: A strong feeling of desire or yearning.
- Reminiscence: The act of recalling past experiences.
NEB Exam-Style Questions & Answers
-
Q:
What is the main theme of "Farewell"?
A: The sorrow of separation and the comfort of memories. -
Q:
How does the poet use imagery in the poem?
A: Through vivid descriptions of nature and emotion to evoke longing and nostalgia. -
Q:
What role does memory play in the poem?
A: Memories provide solace and keep the bond between loved ones alive. -
Q:
Why is the poem relevant to readers today?
A: It addresses universal feelings of love, loss, and hope. -
Q:
How does the poem end?
A: With a sense of acceptance and hope that love endures beyond separation.
Download as PDF
Click the print button in your browser and choose "Save as PDF" to download this summary.