'Despairing Cries' by Walt Whitman

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DESPAIRING cries float ceaselessly toward me, day and night,
The sad voice of Death--the call of my nearest lover, putting forth,
alarmed, uncertain,
This sea I am quickly to sail, come tell me,
Come tell me where I am speeding--tell me my destination.

I understand your anguish, but I cannot help you,
I approach, hear, behold--the sad mouth, the look out of the eyes,
your mute inquiry,
Whither I go from the bed I now recline on, come tell me;
Old age, alarmed, uncertain--A young woman's voice appealing to me,
for comfort,
A young man's voice, Shall I not escape?

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Despairing Cries of Walt Whitman: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Walt Whitman's poetry is a quintessential example of American literature. His works reflect the spirit of the American experience, and his style is almost conversational, with free verse and long lines. One of his most famous works is the collection of poems titled Leaves of Grass, which he published in 1855. In this collection, Whitman explores themes of democracy, individualism, and the human experience.

Among the poems included in Leaves of Grass is "The Despairing Cries," a powerful and emotional piece that speaks to the universal human experience of grief and loss. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and symbols within this poem, as well as the language and structure that make it so effective.

Analysis

Structure and Style

"The Despairing Cries" is a long poem that consists of several stanzas, each with a varying number of lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means it doesn't follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, Whitman's lines are long and meandering, allowing him to explore his themes in a conversational and almost stream-of-consciousness style.

This style is especially effective in "The Despairing Cries," as it allows Whitman to capture the raw emotions of grief and despair. The long lines and lack of structure give the poem a sense of chaos and confusion, which mirrors the feelings of the speaker.

Themes and Symbols

"The Despairing Cries" is a poem about grief and loss, and the themes and symbols within the poem reflect this. One of the most prominent symbols is that of the sea. Throughout the poem, Whitman uses the sea as a metaphor for grief and the unknown. The speaker describes the sea as "dark," "wild," and "mysterious," emphasizing the fear and uncertainty that comes with loss.

Another important symbol is that of the bird. In the fifth stanza, the speaker describes a bird that "sings a solitary song," which can be interpreted as a symbol of the speaker's own loneliness and isolation in their grief.

The theme of death is also present throughout the poem, as the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death and the pain it brings. However, the poem also speaks to the idea of hope and resilience in the face of grief. The final stanza ends on a hopeful note, with the speaker declaring that "Out of the depths have I cried to thee, O Lord," suggesting a sense of faith and hope in the face of despair.

Language and Imagery

Whitman's use of language and imagery in "The Despairing Cries" is powerful and evocative. He uses vivid and descriptive language to convey the emotions of grief and loss, describing the sea as "wild with many a seething wave" and the night as "dark and silent."

The imagery in the poem is also effective in conveying the themes and symbols. The image of the bird, for example, is a powerful symbol of the speaker's loneliness and isolation in their grief. The image of the sea, with its dark and mysterious depths, emphasizes the unknown and frightening nature of loss.

Interpretation

"The Despairing Cries" is a powerful and emotional poem that speaks to the universal human experience of grief and loss. Through his use of language, structure, and symbols, Whitman captures the raw emotions of grief and the sense of fear and uncertainty that comes with it.

The poem is a reminder that grief is a natural and inevitable part of the human experience, but it also speaks to the idea of hope and resilience in the face of loss. The final stanza suggests that even in the depths of despair, there is always hope and faith to be found.

Conclusion

The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience and to provide comfort and solace in times of need. Whitman's message of hope and resilience in the face of grief is one that continues to resonate with readers today, making "The Despairing Cries" a timeless piece of American literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Despairing Cries: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, the father of free verse poetry, is known for his unique style of writing that breaks away from traditional forms and structures. His poem, "Poetry Despairing Cries," is a prime example of his innovative approach to poetry. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this masterpiece.

Themes

The poem "Poetry Despairing Cries" is a reflection on the power of poetry to express the deepest emotions and feelings of the human soul. Whitman explores the idea that poetry can be a source of comfort and solace in times of despair and sorrow. He also highlights the transformative power of poetry, which can change the way we see the world and ourselves.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own theme. The first stanza focuses on the despair and pain that the speaker is feeling. He describes his heart as "heavy-laden" and his soul as "sick with anguish." The second stanza shifts the focus to the power of poetry to heal and comfort. The speaker describes how poetry can "soothe the wounded breast" and "calm the troubled mind." The final stanza is a call to action, urging the reader to embrace the power of poetry and use it to transform their lives.

Structure

The structure of "Poetry Despairing Cries" is free verse, which is typical of Whitman's style. Free verse poetry does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter, allowing the poet to experiment with language and form. Whitman's use of free verse in this poem gives it a natural, conversational tone that makes it easy to read and understand.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The first and second stanzas follow a similar structure, with the first two lines describing the speaker's emotions and the second two lines describing the power of poetry. The final stanza is slightly different, with the first two lines urging the reader to embrace poetry and the final two lines summarizing the poem's message.

Literary Devices

Whitman uses a variety of literary devices in "Poetry Despairing Cries" to convey his message and create a vivid image in the reader's mind. Here are some of the most notable literary devices used in the poem:

Metaphor: Whitman uses metaphor to compare the speaker's heart to a "heavy-laden barge." This metaphor creates a vivid image of the speaker's emotional burden and emphasizes the weight of his despair.
Alliteration: The repetition of the "s" sound in the phrase "sick with anguish" creates a sense of discomfort and unease, emphasizing the speaker's emotional state.
Repetition: Whitman repeats the phrase "poetry despairing cries" throughout the poem, emphasizing the central theme of the poem and creating a sense of urgency.
Personification: The speaker personifies poetry, describing it as having the power to "soothe the wounded breast" and "calm the troubled mind." This personification emphasizes the transformative power of poetry and its ability to heal.
Imagery: Whitman uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a sense of emotional depth and intensity. For example, he describes the speaker's heart as a "heavy-laden barge" and his soul as "sick with anguish," creating a vivid image of the speaker's emotional state.

Conclusion

"Poetry Despairing Cries" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the transformative power of poetry. Whitman's use of free verse, metaphor, alliteration, repetition, personification, and imagery creates a vivid image of the speaker's emotional state and emphasizes the central theme of the poem. The poem is a call to action, urging the reader to embrace the power of poetry and use it to transform their lives. Whitman's innovative approach to poetry continues to inspire and influence poets today, making "Poetry Despairing Cries" a timeless masterpiece.

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