Fare Thee Well Flashcards
How is the poem set up?
It’s a 15 stanza autobiographical poem adressed to his former wife.
Why is it called farewell?
Because it is a letter of goodbye to his wife and daughter.
Why did he write the poem?
As an attempt to reconnect with his wife, and rebuild his reputation.
How did his milieu react?
Instead of feeling sympathy for him, they sided with his wife.
What happens in the fifth stanza?
Byron attempts to put the blame on his wife. He accuses her of inflicting upon him “a cureless wound”.
What are the majorities of stanzas dedicated to?
Raising sympathy for himself
Why has he failed in his attempt to reconnect with his wife?
Because most of his poem is spent victimising himself
What happens in the 9th stanza?
Byron speaks of the daughter. He longs not to be forgotten but doesn’t intend to partake in her life.
“Never ‘gainst thee…
shall my heart rebel”
“To inflict…
a cureless wound”
“Wilt thou teach her to say ‘Father!’
Though his care she must forego?”
“But ‘tis done -
all words are idle”
“Fare Thee Well!
thus disunited”
