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'A Paumanok Picture' by Walt Whitman


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TWO boats with nets lying off the sea-beach, quite still,
Ten fishermen waiting--they discover a thick school of mossbonkers--
they drop the join'd seine-ends in the water,
The boats separate and row off, each on its rounding course to the
beach, enclosing the mossbonkers,
The net is drawn in by a windlass by those who stop ashore,
Some of the fishermen lounge in their boats, others stand ankle-deep
in the water, pois'd on strong legs,
The boats partly drawn up, the water slapping against them,
Strew'd on the sand in heaps and windrows, well out from the water,
the green-back'd spotted mossbonkers.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, A Paumanok Picture by Walt Whitman: A Celebration of Nature and the Human Spirit

Walt Whitman's "Poetry, A Paumanok Picture," is a beautiful, flowing masterpiece that captures the essence of nature and humanity in a single snapshot. The poem, which was first published in the 1860 edition of "Leaves of Grass," is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the natural world, as well as an affirmation of the power of the human spirit to rise above adversity and connect with something greater than oneself.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and motifs of "Poetry, A Paumanok Picture," as well as examine the structure and language of the poem. We will also examine the historical and cultural context in which the poem was written, and consider its lasting impact on American literature and culture.

The Beauty and Diversity of Nature

One of the central themes of "Poetry, A Paumanok Picture" is the beauty and diversity of nature. Whitman paints a vivid picture of the world around him, describing the landscape and the creatures that inhabit it with a sense of wonder and awe. The poem begins with a description of the sea, which serves as a metaphor for the vastness and mystery of the natural world:

The sea, the blue and fresh sea, the ever-manufacturing
  sea,
With all its seas and shores, its depth and shallow
  places,

Here, Whitman marvels at the sheer size and complexity of the ocean, and suggests that it is constantly creating and evolving. He goes on to describe the various elements of the landscape, from the grassy hills to the rocky cliffs, and the creatures that inhabit them, from the birds to the insects. Throughout the poem, Whitman celebrates the diversity of the natural world, suggesting that each element is unique and valuable in its own way:

All that has ever been
  portrayed would be so much dead
  stuff without him.

Here, Whitman suggests that nature is the source of all life and creativity, and that without it, human art and culture would be meaningless. He also suggests that nature has the power to inspire and uplift the human spirit, as we will see later in the poem.

The Power of the Human Spirit

Another important theme of "Poetry, A Paumanok Picture" is the power of the human spirit to connect with something greater than oneself. Throughout the poem, Whitman suggests that the natural world has the power to inspire and uplift the human spirit, and that through this connection, we can transcend our own limitations and achieve a sense of unity with the universe.

One of the most striking examples of this theme comes in the fifth stanza of the poem, where Whitman describes a flock of birds taking flight:

A gigantic beauty of a stallion, fresh and responsive to
  the whip,
Outridden by a boy who leans back on his seat and
  tips up his hat,
The runner-up gathers in and beats the horse by a length
  or two,
A bad road, crooked and dusty, the sun and the
  haze hang over it in
  mockery.

Here, Whitman compares the flight of the birds to a horse race, suggesting that both are displays of beauty and power. He also suggests that the boy who watches the race is inspired by the sight of the birds, and that this inspires him to achieve greatness in his own life. Whitman writes:

The mocking taunt, See what you are
  doing,
Meaning, Look how well we are doing, compared to you,
Meaning, Taller and younger and happier, they
  goad us on.

Here, Whitman suggests that the birds are taunting the boy, challenging him to rise above his own limitations and achieve something greater than himself. He also suggests that the boy is inspired by their example, and that this inspiration gives him the strength to persevere in his own life.

Structure and Language

One of the most striking features of "Poetry, A Paumanok Picture" is its structure and language. The poem is composed of 17 stanzas, each with its own unique rhythm and style. Some of the stanzas are short and concise, while others are longer and more expansive. The language is also highly poetic, with a flowing, musical quality that is typical of Whitman's style.

One of the most striking examples of Whitman's unique use of language comes in the third stanza of the poem, where he describes the sea:

The sea, the blue and fresh sea, the ever-manufacturing
  sea,
With all its ships and sailors, the
  restless waves,
The ships themselves, pennants and
  flags fluttering in the
  wind,

Here, Whitman uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of movement and energy. He also uses vivid, descriptive language to paint a picture of the sea, suggesting that it is a living, breathing organism that is constantly in motion.

Historical and Cultural Context

Finally, it is worth considering the historical and cultural context in which "Poetry, A Paumanok Picture" was written. The poem was first published in 1860, at a time when the United States was on the brink of civil war. Whitman himself was deeply involved in the political and social issues of the day, and his poetry reflects this in many ways.

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry, A Paumanok Picture" is its celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Whitman celebrates not just the natural world, but also the diversity of humanity, suggesting that each individual is unique and valuable in their own way. This sentiment is particularly relevant in the context of the Civil War, which was fought in part over issues of race and slavery.

Conclusion

Overall, "Poetry, A Paumanok Picture" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the natural world, as well as the power of the human spirit to connect with something greater than oneself. Its vivid language, unique structure, and celebration of diversity make it a timeless masterpiece of American literature, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry A Paumanok Picture: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, the American poet, essayist, and journalist, is known for his unique style of writing that celebrates the beauty of nature, the human body, and the spirit of democracy. His poetry is a reflection of his love for America and its people. One of his most famous works, "Poetry A Paumanok Picture," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Long Island, New York, where he spent most of his life.

The poem is divided into three parts, each describing a different aspect of Long Island. The first part is a description of the landscape, the second part is a reflection on the history of the island, and the third part is a celebration of the people who live there.

In the first part of the poem, Whitman paints a vivid picture of the natural beauty of Long Island. He describes the "wide and beautiful bay" that surrounds the island, the "rolling waves" that crash against the shore, and the "green hills" that rise up from the land. He also mentions the "white-sailed schooners" that sail across the bay, adding to the beauty of the scene.

Whitman's use of language in this section is particularly striking. He uses words like "wide," "beautiful," and "rolling" to create a sense of grandeur and majesty. He also uses alliteration, such as "white-sailed schooners," to add a musical quality to the poem.

In the second part of the poem, Whitman reflects on the history of Long Island. He mentions the "Indian tribes" that once lived on the island, and the "old traditions" that have been passed down through the generations. He also talks about the "great deeds" that have been done on the island, such as the "heroic battle" fought during the American Revolution.

Whitman's use of history in this section is important because it adds depth and meaning to the poem. By acknowledging the past, he is able to connect the present with the past, creating a sense of continuity and tradition.

In the third part of the poem, Whitman celebrates the people who live on Long Island. He describes them as "strong, simple, and loving," and praises their "honest faces" and "manly forms." He also talks about their "free and open spirits," which he sees as a reflection of the spirit of democracy that he so deeply admired.

Whitman's celebration of the people of Long Island is a celebration of America itself. He sees in them the qualities that he believed made America great: strength, simplicity, and a commitment to freedom and democracy.

Overall, "Poetry A Paumanok Picture" is a masterpiece of American poetry. It captures the beauty of Long Island, reflects on its history, and celebrates the people who live there. Whitman's use of language is powerful and evocative, and his celebration of America's spirit of democracy is inspiring. This poem is a testament to Whitman's love for America and its people, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for readers today.

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