Question
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)
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)
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The structure of "Away" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, characterized by its repetitive use of the phrase "Away, away," emphasizes a deep yearning for escape and liberation. This repetition not only conveys the speaker's longing but also creates a rhythmic urgency that reflects their desperation to leave a painful situation. Additionally, the consistent rhyme scheme enhances the lyrical quality, reinforcing the emotional weight of the speaker's desire for peace and refuge. By juxtaposing the idyllic imagery of nature with the speaker's emotional turmoil, the structure effectively highlights the contrast between their current suffering and the imagined solace of freedom. Thus, we can conclude that the poem's form amplifies the themes of longing and the quest for peace.