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

The structure of "Longing" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, characterized by its repetitive use of the phrase "Away, away," emphasizes the speaker's deep yearning for escape and relief from emotional pain. This refrain creates a rhythmic longing, underscoring the intensity of the speaker's desire to flee from their circumstances. Additionally, the alternating lines reveal a conversation-like tone, suggesting a dialogue between the speaker and another person who may not fully grasp the weight of their suffering. Ultimately, the poem's structure reinforces the theme of isolation in emotional turmoil, as the speaker feels an overwhelming urge to depart, particularly if their struggles were understood by those around them.