Leaves of Grass · Chapter
Now Finalè to the Shore explained
The chapter presents a final farewell to land and life, urging the voyager to embark on an endless cruise, leaving behind the safety of port and the ties of friendship, embracing a secret wish for an eternal journey.
What happens
The chapter presents a final farewell to land and life, urging the voyager to embark on an endless cruise, leaving behind the safety of port and the ties of friendship, embracing a secret wish for an eternal journey.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the speaker fully internalizes the world’s suffering, feeling…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Death and Immortality
The final departure and endless cruise symbolize death as a transition to an immortal journey.
- Individuality and Self
The voyager obeys a 'cherish'd secret wish,' emphasizing personal fulfillment and self-determination.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
The narrator addresses the voyager, urging departure and farewell.
- Old Salt Kossabone
Referenced as 'old Sailor' embarking on the final voyage.
Key passages
“Now finalè to the shore, Now land and life finalè and farewell, Now Voyager depart, (much, much for thee is yet in store,)”
This is the end of the shore, the end of land and life; now say goodbye, traveler, for there is still much awaiting you.
The opening lines announce a definitive farewell and promise of future experiences.
“But now obey thy cherish’d secret wish, Embrace thy friends, leave all in order, To port and hawser’s tie no more returning, Depart upon thy endless cruise old Sailor.”
Now follow your deepest desire, say goodbye to your friends, set everything in order, and never come back to the safety of the harbor—set out on your infinite journey, old sailor.
The final lines urge the voyager to fulfill a secret wish and embark on an eternal voyage.
