Question

Longing
by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Away

Away, away I would go if I could,
Perhaps to an overgrown sun-dapple wood;
Away, away I would fly in a flash,
If I thought peace awaited under a towering ash.

Away, away you would wish me go too,
If only the pain of my staying still was known to you;
Away, away you would bid me farewell,
And on my wellbeing, you’d never again dwell.



"Longing" by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Question
Use the poem to answer the question.

In 3–5 sentences, use effective reasoning to explain a conclusion you can draw from the structure of “Away.” Base your conclusion in part on the structure of the poem.

Answer 1

In "Away," Paul Laurence Dunbar utilizes a repetitive and melodic structure to emphasize the speaker's deep yearning for escape from pain and emotional turmoil. The repeated phrase "Away, away" serves to reinforce the intensity of the speaker's longing, creating a rhythmic urgency that reflects their desire for liberation. The stanzaic format, with each segment articulating a distinct but connected thought about escape, highlights the contrast between the desire for peace and the painful reality of staying put. This structure ultimately underscores themes of isolation and the need for solace, suggesting that the speaker feels trapped and unheard in their suffering.