Poetry · Chapter
Rencontre explained
The speaker addresses a beloved figure, lamenting a missed temporal connection as one departs and the other arrives.
What happens
The speaker addresses a beloved figure, lamenting a missed temporal connection as one departs and the other arrives. They offer a brief shared moment and a single rose before riding alone toward a distant, lonely road, yet promise a future meeting along the way.
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
This poem serves as the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where the protag…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Sacrifice
The speaker's selfless offer of a single rose and a brief walk before departing, asking nothing more of the beloved's love.
- The Pilgrimage of Life
The speaker's journey on the 'Road to Far Away' and the promise of meeting again on the way, reflecting life as a pilgrimage.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Oh, was I born too soon, my dear, or were you born too late, That I am going out the door while you come in the gate?”
Our timing is off; I am leaving just as you arrive.
Expresses the sorrow of missed connection due to timing.
“Then walk with me an hour, my dear, and pluck the reddest rose Amid the white and crimson store with which your garden glows”
Spend a short time with me and pick the most beautiful rose from your abundant garden.
A request for a brief, intimate moment before parting.
“But I must ride the lonely shore, the Road to Far Away: So bring the stirrup-cup and pour a brimming draught, I pray”
I must travel a solitary path to a distant place; please give me a farewell drink.
The speaker prepares for a solitary journey and asks for a parting toast.
“And when you take the road, my dear, I’ll meet you on the way.”
When you eventually begin your own journey, I will encounter you along the path.
A hopeful promise of reunion in the future.
