'Hours Continuing Long' by Walt Whitman


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HOURS continuing long, sore and heavy-hearted,
Hours of the dusk, when I withdraw to a lonesome and unfrequented
spot, seating myself, leaning my face in my hands;
Hours sleepless, deep in the night, when I go forth, speeding swiftly
the country roads, or through the city streets, or pacing miles
and miles, stifling plaintive cries;
Hours discouraged, distracted--for the one I cannot content myself
without, soon I saw him content himself without me;
Hours when I am forgotten, (O weeks and months are passing, but I
believe I am never to forget!)
Sullen and suffering hours! (I am ashamed--but it is useless--I am
what I am;)
Hours of my torment--I wonder if other men ever have the like, out of
the like feelings?
Is there even one other like me--distracted--his friend, his lover,
lost to him?
Is he too as I am now? Does he still rise in the morning, dejected,
thinking who is lost to him? and at night, awaking, think who
is lost?
Does he too harbor his friendship silent and endless? harbor his
anguish and passion?10
Does some stray reminder, or the casual mention of a name, bring the
fit back upon him, taciturn and deprest?
Does he see himself reflected in me? In these hours, does he see the
face of his hours reflected?


Editor 1 Interpretation

Hours Continuing Long by Walt Whitman: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poetic work that celebrates life in all its grandeur and simplicity? If so, Hours Continuing Long by Walt Whitman is a must-read for you. This classic poem is an ode to the beauty of nature, the joys of living, and the mysteries of the human heart.

About the Poet

Walt Whitman was an American poet, journalist, and essayist born in 1819. He is regarded as one of the most influential poets in American literature and is best known for his collection of poems, Leaves of Grass. Whitman's poetry was characterized by his celebration of democracy, individualism, and the natural world. He wrote in free verse, using long, flowing lines that were sometimes difficult to read but always powerful and evocative.

The Poem

Hours Continuing Long is a long poem that consists of 27 stanzas, each containing six lines. The poem was first published in the 1860 edition of Leaves of Grass and was later revised and expanded in subsequent editions.

The poem is divided into three parts: morning, noon, and night. Each part celebrates a different aspect of life, from the joy of waking up in the morning to the contemplation of death at night. Through his words, Whitman invites the reader to embrace life in all its beauty and complexity.

Analysis

The poem begins with the line, "Hours continuing long, sore and heavy-hearted." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the theme of the passing of time. Whitman acknowledges the pain and suffering that can come with life, but he also celebrates the joy and wonder of being alive.

In the first part of the poem, Whitman focuses on the morning and the joy of waking up to a new day. He describes the "fresh and cool" air and the "sweet and natural" sounds of nature. He invites the reader to "rise up" and join him in celebrating the beauty of the world.

The second part of the poem focuses on noon and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whitman celebrates the "busy town" and the "throng'd streets" but also acknowledges the "sadness and the silence" that can come with life. He encourages the reader to "be not dishearten'd" and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

The final part of the poem focuses on night and the contemplation of death. Whitman acknowledges the "darkness" that can come with life but also celebrates the "mystic, wonderful night" and the "hush'd, cool, mystical hour." He encourages the reader to embrace the mystery of life and death and to find peace in the knowledge that "death is beautiful" and "life is long and henceforth is good."

Throughout the poem, Whitman uses vivid imagery and powerful language to evoke a sense of wonder and awe in the reader. He celebrates the beauty of the natural world, the joys of human connection, and the mysteries of life and death.

Interpretation

Hours Continuing Long is a celebration of life in all its grandeur and simplicity. Through his words, Whitman invites the reader to embrace the passing of time and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. He acknowledges the pain and suffering that can come with life but also celebrates the beauty and wonder of being alive.

The poem is a reminder to live in the moment and to embrace the mystery of life and death. It encourages the reader to find peace in the knowledge that life is long and beautiful and that death is simply a part of the natural cycle of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hours Continuing Long is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the joys of life and the mysteries of the human heart. Through his words, Whitman invites the reader to embrace the beauty of the natural world, the joys of human connection, and the mysteries of life and death. It is a poem that encourages the reader to live in the moment and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Hours Continuing Long: A Celebration of Life and Nature

Walt Whitman, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, wrote a plethora of poems that celebrated life, nature, and the human experience. One of his most famous works, Poetry Hours Continuing Long, is a beautiful ode to the beauty of life and the natural world.

The poem is a part of Whitman's Leaves of Grass, a collection of poems that he revised and expanded throughout his life. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of life and nature.

The first section of the poem is titled "The Hour of the Divine." In this section, Whitman celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the divine presence that can be found in it. He writes, "The hour of the divine has come, the hour of the unseen, / The hour that makes the soul to sing, the hour that sets us free."

Whitman's use of language in this section is particularly striking. He uses words like "divine," "unseen," and "soul" to evoke a sense of spirituality and transcendence. He also uses imagery to paint a vivid picture of the natural world, describing "the green of the grass," "the blue of the sky," and "the gold of the sun."

The second section of the poem is titled "The Hour of the Body." In this section, Whitman celebrates the physical world and the pleasures that can be found in it. He writes, "The hour of the body has come, the hour of the fleshly form, / The hour that makes us feel alive, the hour that keeps us warm."

Whitman's celebration of the physical world is a departure from the more spiritual tone of the first section. He revels in the sensations of the body, describing "the touch of the wind," "the taste of the fruit," and "the scent of the flowers." He also celebrates the human form, writing, "The hour of the body has come, the hour of the perfect shape, / The hour that makes us proud to be, the hour that makes us great."

The third and final section of the poem is titled "The Hour of the Soul." In this section, Whitman brings together the themes of the first two sections, celebrating both the spiritual and physical aspects of life. He writes, "The hour of the soul has come, the hour of the perfect blend, / The hour that makes us one with all, the hour that has no end."

Whitman's use of language in this section is particularly powerful. He uses words like "soul," "perfect blend," and "one with all" to evoke a sense of unity and interconnectedness. He also uses imagery to describe the natural world and the human experience, writing, "The hour of the soul has come, the hour of the rising sun, / The hour that brings us light and life, the hour that makes us one."

Overall, Poetry Hours Continuing Long is a beautiful celebration of life and nature. Whitman's use of language and imagery is powerful and evocative, and his celebration of both the spiritual and physical aspects of life is inspiring. The poem is a testament to the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and a reminder to appreciate and celebrate it every day.

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