2.2.13

I: X - XII Afloat

In this part, we are introduced to the unseen characters in Childe Harold's life: a mother he was sad to part; a sister he loved; we are also subtly suggested that he had few real friends. 


We see him packing lightly, only taking a few things that he held dearly to accompany his journey. Goodbye is the hardest word in the word to the ones you love, so he said it to none. 


In this part Harold tells us his regrets and destination. From the land to the sea probably indicates the change from the safety of one's motherland to the uncertainty from winds of change, especially when one is at sea. Paynim: the word indicates savage and uncivilized places; the word itself is often used to describe people, things, places that are non-Christian, pagan, especially Muslim or Jewish characters. So we roughly have a idea where Harold is going. 


There we see the striking differences between Harold and his fellow travellers, of course, they're more like his employees than people who spontaneously joined him. Those people are loyal to him because of his status although they're not the one so eager to leave home. They weep for parting from their family and loved ones. It's also revealed to us the complexity of Harold's character. He, like everyone else, is sad to leave home, yet he has to hold the emotions to himself and not display the least. After all, it's his idea to go on this adventure.

No comments: