The poem Farewell written by Federico Garcia Lorca is a romantic lyric expressing a longing for the senses to feast on even after death.
Farewell by Federico Garcia Lorca
Summary of the poem Farewell
In the poem Farewell, the speaker wants the balcony left open because he thinks that even after his death, the opened balcony would allow him to enjoy the familiar views. He knows that he is dying soon but his love for life is unending. He would like to see the little boy eating oranges and the reaper singing and harvesting the wheat, which are the symbol of life. The poet conveys a message to the reader that this world is a very enjoyable place and has full of delights.
Farewell by Federico Garcia Lorca [question answer]
Why does the speaker want the balcony left open in the poem Farewell?
Ans: The speaker of the poem asks someone, perhaps one of his family members, to leave the balcony open if he dies because from his balcony he wants to see the little boy eating oranges and hear the reaper harvesting the wheat.
What will the speaker see and hear?
Ans: The Speaker will see the little boy eating oranges and hear the reaper harvesting the wheat.
Why has the poet given a conditional opening to the poem Farewell? What does it imply?
Ans: The poet has given a conditional opening to the poem because he thinks that after his death too, he can view the beautiful scenario of the earth. He hopes that after death too, his sense organs will be with him to view the world.
What thoughts do you have concerned a Farewell?
Ans: Life is not an illusion. We have to make it meaningful by enjoying different activities here in Earth. The poet is not fed up with worldly activities. He even after death wants to return back and enjoy viewing the little boy eating oranges and the reaper harvesting the wheat and eating oranges. Such desires for viewing are symbols of enjoying earthly activities with pleasure.
Give your own interpretation of the poem Farewell.
Ans: The poet wants to keep a balanced attitude towards the physical and the spiritual world. He seems to believe in both. The world 'balcony' in this poem stands for a vantage point from where both inside and outside can be seen. Here, inside refers to the soul, and outside refers to the physical world.
Who, do you think, is the speaker in the poem Farewell? Does it make any difference whether the speaker is a male or a female?
Ans: The speaker of the poem Farewell is a dying man. The subject matter of poetry can be in any way depending on the poet's mind. So, whether to be different or not in the changing gender of poetic persona, it depends on the poet's mind
Discuss "The Farewell" as a life-affirming poem.
Ans: “The Farewell" is a life-affirming poem because the speaker does not like to leave the Earth and bid farewell to his family members and friends but he is compelled to say farewell because he cannot resist death. Even after his death, he thinks of his life. Therefore, he wants to be opened the balcony to view the beautiful scenario of the earth.