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. (4 points)

Answer 1

The structure of the poem "Longing" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, particularly its repetitive refrain of "Away, away," emphasizes the speaker's deep desire for escape and relief from emotional pain. This repetitive phrasing creates a sense of urgency and longing, suggesting that the speaker feels trapped in their current situation, which is marked by suffering. Additionally, the poem's use of imagery, such as "overgrown sun-dapple wood" and "towering ash," evokes a yearning for tranquility and natural beauty, contrasting with the speaker's distress. Overall, the structure reinforces the theme of longing for peace and the desire to be free from a burdensome existence, indicating that the speaker's emotional state is profound and compelling.