'So Far And So Far, And On Toward The End' by Walt Whitman

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SO far, and so far, and on toward the end,
Singing what is sung in this book, from the irresistible impulses of
me;
But whether I continue beyond this book, to maturity,
Whether I shall dart forth the true rays, the ones that wait unfired,
(Did you think the sun was shining its brightest?
No--it has not yet fully risen;)
Whether I shall complete what is here started,
Whether I shall attain my own height, to justify these, yet
unfinished,
Whether I shall make THE POEM OF THE NEW WORLD, transcending all
others--depends, rich persons, upon you,
Depends, whoever you are now filling the current Presidentiad, upon
you,10
Upon you, Governor, Mayor, Congressman,
And you, contemporary America.

Whitman, Walt. 1900. Leaves of Grass.

Editor 1 Interpretation

So Far And So Far, And On Toward The End: A Literary Analysis of Walt Whitman's Poem

Walt Whitman is considered by many as a trailblazer in the world of poetry. His works are renowned for their unique style and unconventional form. One of his most famous poems, "So Far And So Far, And On Toward The End," is a prime example of Whitman's style. This poem has been interpreted in many ways, and it continues to inspire readers even today. In this literary analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem and explore its meaning and significance.

Background

Before we dive into the poem, let us take a moment to understand the context in which it was written. "So Far And So Far, And On Toward The End" was written by Walt Whitman in the mid-1800s, during a time of great social and political change in America. The country was grappling with issues of slavery, civil rights, and democracy. Whitman's poetry reflected these changing times, and his works often celebrated the individual and the collective spirit of America.

Form and Structure

At first glance, "So Far And So Far, And On Toward The End" may seem like a free-flowing stream of consciousness. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it has no fixed rhyme or meter. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that the poem is divided into two parts.

The first part of the poem, which comprises the first four stanzas, describes the journey of life. The second part of the poem, which comprises the last three stanzas, reflects on death and the afterlife. The poem has a total of seven stanzas, with each stanza consisting of four lines.

Themes

Whitman's poetry often dealt with themes of nature, democracy, and the human experience. "So Far And So Far, And On Toward The End" is no exception. The poem explores the journey of life and the inevitability of death. It also celebrates the human spirit and the beauty of nature.

Interpretation

Let us now take a closer look at the poem and interpret its meaning.

The Journey of Life

The first four stanzas of the poem describe the journey of life. The speaker reflects on the various stages of life, from birth to old age. The speaker describes life as a journey that is filled with ups and downs. He says that life is a journey that is "so far and so far" and that we must continue "on toward the end."

The speaker also reflects on the various stages of life. He describes the "sweetness and dignity" of youth, the "hardy patience" of adulthood, and the "quiet death" of old age. The speaker seems to suggest that each stage of life has its own beauty and significance.

The Inevitability of Death

The second part of the poem reflects on death and the afterlife. The speaker reflects on the inevitability of death, saying that "no one can escape" it. However, the speaker also suggests that death is not something to be feared. He says that death is "not an end" but rather a "beginning."

The speaker also reflects on the afterlife, suggesting that there is something beyond death. He says that we will "move on in the universe" and that we will become "part of the stars." The speaker seems to suggest that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new form of existence.

The Beauty of Nature

Throughout the poem, the speaker celebrates the beauty of nature. He describes the "blossoming trees," the "rippling streams," and the "renewed green" of spring. The speaker seems to suggest that nature is a source of comfort and solace in the face of life's challenges.

The Human Spirit

Finally, the poem celebrates the human spirit. The speaker suggests that we must continue "on toward the end," even in the face of adversity. He says that we must "bear the brunt of danger" and "stand up amid the storm."

The poem seems to suggest that the human spirit is resilient and that we are capable of facing life's challenges. The speaker seems to suggest that we must continue to push forward, even in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "So Far And So Far, And On Toward The End" is a powerful poem that explores the journey of life and the inevitability of death. It celebrates the beauty of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. The poem continues to inspire readers today, and its message is as relevant now as it was when it was written over a century ago.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry So Far And So Far, And On Toward The End: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, the father of free verse, is known for his unconventional style of poetry that broke away from the traditional forms of rhyme and meter. His poem, Poetry So Far And So Far, And On Toward The End, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his poetic philosophy and his vision for the future of poetry.

The poem begins with the lines, "So far and so far, and on toward the end, / Singing what is sung in this book, from the irresistible impulses of me." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the poet's own voice and the power of poetry to express the innermost thoughts and feelings of the human soul.

Whitman's poetry is often described as "singing" because of its musicality and its ability to evoke emotions through the use of sound and rhythm. In this poem, he emphasizes the importance of the poet's voice and the need for it to be heard. He writes, "I hear the chorus, it is a grand opera, / Ah this indeed is music--this suits me."

Whitman's poetry is also known for its democratic spirit and its celebration of the common man. He believed that poetry should be accessible to everyone and that it should reflect the diversity of human experience. In this poem, he writes, "I am the poet of the Body and I am the poet of the Soul, / The pleasures of heaven are with me and the pains of hell are with me."

Whitman's vision for the future of poetry was one in which it would be free from the constraints of traditional forms and would embrace the full range of human experience. He believed that poetry should be a reflection of life itself, and that it should be as diverse and complex as the world around us. In this poem, he writes, "I am the poet of the woman the same as the man, / And I say it is as great to be a woman as to be a man, / And I say there is nothing greater than the mother of men."

Whitman's poetry is also known for its celebration of nature and its connection to the divine. He believed that nature was a source of inspiration and that it was a reflection of the divine spirit that permeates all things. In this poem, he writes, "I am the poet of the earth, and I am the poet of the waters, / And I am the poet of the air, and of the open sea."

Whitman's poetry is a celebration of life itself, and it is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and to find joy in the midst of suffering. His poetry is a reminder that we are all connected, and that we are all part of a larger whole. In this poem, he writes, "I am the poet of the slaves, and of the masters of slaves, / I am the poet of the battles of the war, / And I am the poet of the peace."

In conclusion, Poetry So Far And So Far, And On Toward The End is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of Walt Whitman's poetic philosophy and his vision for the future of poetry. It is a celebration of the poet's own voice and the power of poetry to express the innermost thoughts and feelings of the human soul. It is a reminder that we are all connected, and that we are all part of a larger whole. Whitman's poetry is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and to find joy in the midst of suffering. It is a reminder that we are all poets, and that we all have a voice that deserves to be heard.

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