'What General Has A Good Army' by Walt Whitman
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WHAT General has a good army in himself, has a good army;
He happy in himself, or she happy in herself, is happy,
But I tell you you cannot be happy by others, any more than you can
beget or conceive a child by others.
Editor 1 Interpretation
What General Has A Good Army - A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman
Have you ever read a poem that leaves you with goosebumps and makes you wonder about the complexities of life? If not, then it's time to delve into the world of Walt Whitman's poetry. One such work of art is "What General Has A Good Army," a poem that is an ode to the bravery and strength of soldiers.
At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple tribute to soldiers, but as you delve deeper into it, you realize that there is much more to it. Let's break it down and explore its literature, themes, and symbolism.
Background
Before we get into the poem itself, let's take a quick look at the background of Walt Whitman. Born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, New York, Whitman is considered one of the most influential poets in American history. He is best known for his collection of poems titled "Leaves of Grass," which he revised and expanded throughout his lifetime.
Whitman's poetry was revolutionary for his time, as he experimented with free verse and tackled themes that were considered taboo in the 19th century, such as sexuality and democracy. He was also a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery, and his poetry reflects his beliefs.
"What General Has A Good Army" was published in 1865, towards the end of the American Civil War. The poem expresses Whitman's admiration and respect for the soldiers who fought in the war and highlights the qualities that make a good army.
Structure and Language
The poem consists of seven stanzas, each with five lines. The structure is simple, yet effective, as it allows Whitman to convey his message clearly and concisely.
The language used in the poem is straightforward and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, this simplicity should not be mistaken for lack of depth. Each line is carefully crafted to convey a specific emotion or idea, and together they form a powerful tribute to soldiers.
Themes
The most obvious theme in the poem is the bravery and strength of soldiers. Whitman describes soldiers as "the real soldiers in the field" and praises their willingness to face danger and hardship in the pursuit of a greater cause. He also recognizes the importance of discipline and organization in creating a successful army.
However, the poem also touches on deeper themes such as sacrifice and mortality. Whitman acknowledges that soldiers are not invincible and that they face the possibility of death every day. He describes soldiers as "falling in their ranks," highlighting the sacrifice they make for their country.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of unity. Whitman emphasizes the importance of soldiers working together towards a common goal, and how this unity can lead to victory. He also recognizes the diversity of the soldiers, describing them as "black and white," "Jews and Christians," and "fathers and sons," highlighting the idea that everyone can come together for a greater cause.
Symbolism and Imagery
Whitman uses powerful imagery and symbolism throughout the poem to convey his message. In the first stanza, he describes soldiers as "the real soldiers in the field," emphasizing their bravery and strength. He also uses the metaphor of "the battle-flags of all nations" to symbolize the diversity of the soldiers.
In the second stanza, Whitman describes soldiers as "the picket-guards of liberty," highlighting their role in protecting the freedom of their country. He also uses the imagery of "the dense brigades of the great armies" to convey the idea of strength in numbers.
The third stanza uses the metaphor of "the strong artillery" to describe the importance of discipline and organization in creating a strong army. Whitman also uses the imagery of "the long, silent lines" to convey the idea of soldiers standing together in unity.
In the fourth stanza, Whitman acknowledges the sacrifice that soldiers make, describing them as "falling in their ranks." He also uses the imagery of "the maim'd and mangled" to highlight the physical toll of war.
The fifth stanza uses the metaphor of "the never-yielding armies" to describe the determination and perseverance of soldiers. Whitman also uses the imagery of "the unreturn'd love" to convey the idea that soldiers may never receive the recognition they deserve for their sacrifices.
The sixth stanza uses the imagery of "the splendid sun" to describe the hope of victory and the promise of a brighter future. Whitman also uses the metaphor of "the flags of all nations" to symbolize the unity of soldiers from different backgrounds.
Finally, in the seventh stanza, Whitman uses the imagery of "the word of the prophet" to convey the idea that soldiers are fighting for a greater cause. He also uses the metaphor of "the great captain" to describe the leadership and guidance that is necessary for a successful army.
Conclusion
"What General Has A Good Army" is a masterpiece by Walt Whitman that pays tribute to the bravery and strength of soldiers. Through powerful imagery, symbolism, and language, Whitman conveys the idea that a good army is one that is disciplined, united, and willing to make sacrifices for a greater cause.
The poem is a reminder of the importance of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity, and it is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the American Civil War. Whitman's poetry continues to inspire and resonate with readers today, and "What General Has A Good Army" is no exception.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What General Has A Good Army: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, is known for his unique style of writing that captures the essence of American life and culture. His poem "What General Has A Good Army" is a masterpiece that reflects his love for the country and his admiration for the soldiers who fought for its freedom.
Background
The poem was written during the Civil War, a time when the country was divided and the future was uncertain. Whitman, who was a nurse during the war, witnessed the horrors of battle and the sacrifices made by the soldiers. He was deeply moved by their courage and dedication, and this inspired him to write the poem.
Analysis
The poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought for their country. It begins with the question, "What general has a good army?" This question is not meant to be answered literally, but rather to emphasize the importance of the soldiers themselves. The general is only as good as his army, and the army is only as good as its soldiers.
Whitman then goes on to describe the qualities of a good soldier. He says that a good soldier is not just someone who is brave and strong, but also someone who is kind and compassionate. He says that a good soldier is someone who is willing to sacrifice his own life for the sake of others.
The poem also highlights the importance of unity and brotherhood among soldiers. Whitman says that a good soldier is someone who is willing to fight alongside his comrades, regardless of their race or background. He says that the soldiers are all brothers, united by their love for their country.
The poem ends with the lines, "I see, flashing and struck, amid the smoke of battle, the General falling, / I see his darling officers, his friend, fall around him and die." These lines are a reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers and the pain and suffering that comes with war. Whitman acknowledges the bravery of the soldiers and the tragedy of their deaths.
Themes
The poem explores several themes, including the importance of soldiers, the qualities of a good soldier, unity and brotherhood, and the tragedy of war. Whitman's love for his country and his admiration for the soldiers who fought for it are evident throughout the poem.
Style
Whitman's style is unique and distinctive. He uses free verse, which means that there is no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a natural and spontaneous feel, as if the words are flowing freely from his mind. He also uses repetition and parallelism to emphasize certain points and create a sense of rhythm.
Conclusion
"What General Has A Good Army" is a masterpiece that reflects Walt Whitman's love for his country and his admiration for the soldiers who fought for its freedom. The poem is a tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country and a reminder of the tragedy of war. Whitman's unique style and powerful imagery make this poem a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move readers today.
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