La Partenza Poem Analysis
"La Partenza" (The Departure) is a poem by Italian poet Giuseppe Ungaretti, written in 1917. Ungaretti was a prominent figure in the Italian literary movement known as Hermeticism, characterized by its concise, enigmatic language and an emphasis on introspection and personal emotions.
"La Partenza" is a short poem, as is typical of Ungaretti's style, and it explores themes of departure, separation, and the passage of time. The poem is written during Ungaretti's service as a soldier in World War I, which greatly influenced his poetry. The experience of war, loss, and separation from loved ones is a recurring theme in his works.
The poem reads:
E siamo in piedi sull'orlo della sera
E ci stringiamo senza parlare
Domani partirai
Ti voglio bene
Adesso e basta
In English, it can be translated as:
And we stand on the edge of the evening
And we hold each other without speaking
Tomorrow you will leave
I love you
Now and that's all
The poem captures the melancholic emotion of parting, as the speaker and the person they love must face the impending departure. The use of simple, direct language makes the poem feel intimate and personal. Ungaretti's choice of words and the brevity of the poem add to its emotional impact, as it conveys the sense of resignation and acceptance of the inevitable separation.
The setting of the poem, "on the edge of the evening," suggests a metaphor for the twilight of a relationship or a moment in life. It represents the transience of time and the inevitability of change. The final lines, "I love you / Now and that's all," emphasize the importance of cherishing the present moment and accepting the uncertainty of the future.
In summary, "La Partenza" is a poignant and concise poem by Giuseppe Ungaretti that explores themes of departure, love, and the passage of time. The poem's simplicity and emotional impact serve as an excellent example of the Hermetic style in Italian poetry.