Gómez de Avellaneda
Study Instructions and Questions

A.
Read "Al partir" through silently and out loud before answering questions.
Q1.
How many lines does the poem have? How many syllables does each Spanish line have? How many stanzas does the poem have? What kind of poem is this?
B.
If you read Spanish, read both the Spanish original version and the English translation. If you do not read Spanish, skip to "C" below and answer "N/A" to Q2.
Q2.
Which version do you prefer? Why do you prefer the version you're going to continue to focus on?
C.
Read the poem out loud again.
Q3.
What is the effect and sense of the exclamation points in the first two lines?
Q4.
Identify the two metaphors in the first line and interpret them.
Q5.
There is an analogy, comparison, or simile in lines 2-4. Interpret this analogy.
D.
Read the second stanza (line 5 through 8).
Q6.

After the exclamation at the beginning of line 5, action takes place. Describe the scene. Two "movements" are taking place. Identify them and relate them.

E.
Read the whole poem again. Notice where the division occurs between the (a) exposition and (b) the conclusion.
Q7.
In the third stanza (lines 9 through 11), the poem makes two exclamations. What emotion is being communicated? What is her thought about or relationship with "fortune" / el hado?
F/Q8.
Notice the parallel phrasing and structure in the third and fourth stanzas. What words and feelings anchor this parallel?
Q9.
In the last stanza (lines 12-14), what effect and meaning are conveyed by the unique punctuation (not including the commas)? What four actions are described in the last stanza?
G/Q10.

Notice the difference in terms of pace between the beginning of the poem and the conclusion. Identify and analyze this difference in pace or speed.

H.
Read the poem for enjoyment, as a personal experience, not so much as an object of analysis and evaluation. Since this poem is typical of the Romantic period in Latin American humanities, how do you feel about it? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Do you like it more or less than other Latin American humanities you have studied so far in HUM 2461? (This is not a written question.)