Skip to content

...I was going to give the farewell call – a farewell for…

“...I was going to give the farewell call – a farewell for ever this time, not just for a year. The call is a queer wordless cry made up of all the vowel sounds - and it was thrilling when Rose and I used to make it together, but I do it fairly well by myself. 'Ayieou!' I called - and it echoed…” quote by Dodie Smith
Download Open image
““...I was going to give the farewell call – a farewell for ever this time, not just for a year. The call is a queer wordless cry made up of all the vowel sounds - and it was thrilling when Rose and I used to make it together, but I do it fairly well by myself. 'Ayieou!' I called - and it echoed back from the castle walls as I knew it would.””

Dodie Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker describes a personal, almost ritualistic goodbye, using a made‑up word that carries deep emotional resonance and echoes back, symbolizing both isolation and connection.

In simple terms: A unique farewell word feels powerful and returns echoing.

Key Takeaway

Embrace personal rituals to process endings.

Themes

farewell ritual loneliness connection

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • personal loss
  • creative writing
  • performing arts
  • solitary reflection

Key Concepts

language creation emotional resonance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does creating a private language help you cope?
  • What does the echo symbolize for you?
A Different Perspective

The invented word may not convey meaning to others, limiting shared understanding.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Dodie Smith

Explore all 211 Dodie Smith quotes

More Farewell quotes

Browse all 542 Farewell quotes