'On Old Man's Thought Of School' by Walt Whitman
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AN old man's thought of School;
An old man, gathering youthful memories and blooms, that youth itself
cannot.
Now only do I know you!
O fair auroral skies! O morning dew upon the grass!
And these I see--these sparkling eyes,
These stores of mystic meaning--these young lives,
Building, equipping, like a fleet of ships--immortal ships!
Soon to sail out over the measureless seas,
On the Soul's voyage.
Only a lot of boys and girls?10
Only the tiresome spelling, writing, ciphering classes?
Only a Public School?
Ah more--infinitely more;
(As George Fox rais'd his warning cry, "Is it this pile of brick and
mortar--these dead floors, windows, rails--you call the church?
Why this is not the church at all--the Church is living, ever living
Souls.")
And you, America,
Cast you the real reckoning for your present?
The lights and shadows of your future--good or evil?
To girlhood, boyhood look--the Teacher and the School.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"On Old Man's Thought Of School" by Walt Whitman: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever stumbled upon a piece of literature that makes you stop and ponder? That makes you feel like you've just uncovered a treasure from a long-forgotten time? Walt Whitman's "On Old Man's Thought Of School" is exactly that kind of poem. With its simple yet profound language and its timeless themes, this piece of literature continues to resonate with readers even today.
The Poem
Let's start with a brief overview of the poem. "On Old Man's Thought Of School" is a short, ten-line poem that explores the idea of education and its importance. The poem is written from the perspective of an old man who reflects on his own experiences with education and how it has shaped him as a person.
The poem begins with the old man reminiscing about his time in school, describing it as a place "where I learned of the fierce hatreds of the races." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, highlighting the idea that education is not always about learning academic subjects, but also about learning about the world and its complexities.
The old man then goes on to describe how his experiences in school have stayed with him throughout his life, shaping his values and beliefs. He says that "all the things that I learned, where do you think they've gone?" suggesting that education is not just about memorizing facts, but about internalizing knowledge and making it a part of oneself.
In the final stanza, the old man reflects on the passing of time and how he has grown old. He says that despite his age, the memories of his time in school are still vivid in his mind. The poem ends with the old man asking a rhetorical question: "And what do you think has become of the women and men of wisdom and all their studies?" This line emphasizes the idea that education is not just an individual pursuit, but a collective one that spans generations.
The Language
One of the most striking things about "On Old Man's Thought Of School" is its language. Whitman's use of simple, straightforward language makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. However, this simplicity does not detract from the poem's depth and complexity.
The use of repetition is also prominent in this poem. The phrase "where do you think they've gone?" is repeated twice, emphasizing the idea that knowledge and education are not fleeting, but rather become a part of us and shape who we are.
The poem's structure is also worth noting. With its short, ten-line form, the poem is concise and to the point. The lack of punctuation in the poem also gives it a free-flowing, almost conversational quality.
The Themes
At its core, "On Old Man's Thought Of School" is about the value of education and how it shapes us as individuals and as a society. The poem suggests that education is not just about academics, but also about learning about the world and its complexities. It highlights the idea that education is a lifelong pursuit that stays with us throughout our lives.
The theme of time is also prominent in this poem. The old man's reflection on his own aging and the passing of time emphasizes the idea that education is not just a personal pursuit, but a collective one that spans generations. The poem suggests that the knowledge and wisdom of previous generations are still relevant and important today.
The Interpretation
So, what does "On Old Man's Thought Of School" mean? At its core, the poem is a reflection on the value of education and its importance in shaping us as individuals and as a society.
The poem suggests that education is not just about academics, but also about learning about the world and its complexities. The line "where I learned of the fierce hatreds of the races" highlights the idea that education exposes us to different perspectives and experiences that shape our understanding of the world.
Furthermore, the poem suggests that education is a lifelong pursuit that stays with us throughout our lives. The repetition of the line "where do you think they've gone?" emphasizes the idea that knowledge and education become a part of us and shape who we are.
Finally, the poem suggests that the knowledge and wisdom of previous generations are still relevant and important today. The old man's reflection on his own aging and the passing of time emphasizes the idea that education is a collective pursuit that spans generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "On Old Man's Thought Of School" is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers even today. With its simple yet profound language and its timeless themes, this poem is a reminder of the value of education and its importance in shaping us as individuals and as a society.
Whitman's use of repetition and simple language makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem's structure and lack of punctuation give it a free-flowing, almost conversational quality that makes it feel like a personal reflection.
Overall, "On Old Man's Thought Of School" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the value of education and its impact on our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On Old Man's Thought Of School: A Timeless Reflection on Education
Walt Whitman's "Poetry On Old Man's Thought Of School" is a timeless reflection on the value of education and the role it plays in shaping our lives. Written in 1865, the poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of learning and the impact it has on our personal growth and development.
The poem begins with the speaker, an old man, reminiscing about his youth and the time he spent in school. He reflects on the lessons he learned and the experiences he had, and how they have shaped him into the person he is today. He speaks of the joy he felt in learning and the sense of accomplishment he gained from mastering new skills and knowledge.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's thoughts turn to the present and the state of education in his community. He laments the lack of interest in learning and the apathy of the younger generation towards education. He speaks of the importance of education in shaping our future and the need for young people to take it seriously.
The poem is a powerful commentary on the state of education in America during Whitman's time, and it remains relevant today. It speaks to the need for a renewed focus on education and the role it plays in shaping our society.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Whitman's writing is rich and evocative, with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that bring the poem to life. He uses language to create a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, while also highlighting the importance of the present and the future.
For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Whitman writes:
"An old man's thought of school, An old man gathering youthful memories and blooms that youth itself cannot."
These lines create a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, as the speaker reflects on his youth and the memories he has of his time in school. The use of the word "blooms" is particularly striking, as it suggests the idea of growth and development, and the potential for young people to blossom and flourish through education.
Throughout the poem, Whitman uses language to create a sense of contrast between the past and the present. He contrasts the joy and excitement of learning in his youth with the apathy and disinterest of the younger generation. He writes:
"The young are not so young; But some contented, some devoutly curious, I hear the whispering at the threshold."
These lines suggest a sense of disappointment and frustration with the younger generation, who are not as enthusiastic about learning as the speaker was in his youth. However, there is also a sense of hope and possibility, as some young people are still curious and interested in learning.
Another powerful aspect of the poem is its message about the importance of education in shaping our future. The speaker emphasizes the need for young people to take education seriously, and the impact it can have on their lives and the world around them. He writes:
"O my sons and my daughters! O my father and mother! I want to go to school again and learn to write the alphabet."
These lines suggest a sense of urgency and importance, as the speaker recognizes the value of education and the need for everyone to continue learning throughout their lives. He emphasizes the idea that education is not just for the young, but for people of all ages and backgrounds.
In conclusion, Walt Whitman's "Poetry On Old Man's Thought Of School" is a powerful reflection on the value of education and the role it plays in shaping our lives. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Whitman creates a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, while also emphasizing the importance of the present and the future. The poem is a timeless reminder of the need for a renewed focus on education, and the impact it can have on our personal growth and the world around us.
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