'Song Of The Universal' by Walt Whitman
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COME, said the Muse,
Sing me a song no poet yet has chanted,
Sing me the Universal.
In this broad Earth of ours,
Amid the measureless grossness and the slag,
Enclosed and safe within its central heart,
Nestles the seed Perfection.
By every life a share, or more or less,
None born but it is born--conceal'd or unconceal'd, the seed is
waiting.
Lo! keen-eyed, towering Science!10
As from tall peaks the Modern overlooking,
Successive, absolute fiats issuing.
Yet again, lo! the Soul--above all science;
For it, has History gather'd like a husk around the globe;
For it, the entire star-myriads roll through the sky.
In spiral roads, by long detours,
(As a much-tacking ship upon the sea,)
For it, the partial to the permanent flowing,
For it, the Real to the Ideal tends.
For it, the mystic evolution;20
Not the right only justified--what we call evil also justified.
Forth from their masks, no matter what,
From the huge, festering trunk--from craft and guile and tears,
Health to emerge, and joy--joy universal.
Out of the bulk, the morbid and the shallow,
Out of the bad majority--the varied, countless frauds of men and
States,
Electric, antiseptic yet--cleaving, suffusing all,
Only the good is universal.
Over the mountain growths, disease and sorrow,
An uncaught bird is ever hovering, hovering,30
High in the purer, happier air.
From imperfection's murkiest cloud,
Darts always forth one ray of perfect light,
One flash of Heaven's glory.
To fashion's, custom's discord,
To the mad Babel-din, the deafening orgies,
Soothing each lull, a strain is heard, just heard,
From some far shore, the final chorus sounding.
O the blest eyes! the happy hearts!
That see--that know the guiding thread so fine,40
Along the mighty labyrinth!
And thou, America!
For the Scheme's culmination--its Thought, and its Reality,
For these, (not for thyself,) Thou hast arrived.
Thou too surroundest all;
Embracing, carrying, welcoming all, Thou too, by pathways broad and
new,
To the Ideal tendest.
The measur'd faiths of other lands--the grandeurs of the past,
Are not for Thee--but grandeurs of Thine own;
Deific faiths and amplitudes, absorbing, comprehending all,50
All eligible to all.
All, all for Immortality!
Love, like the light, silently wrapping all!
Nature's amelioration blessing all!
The blossoms, fruits of ages--orchards divine and certain;
Forms, objects, growths, humanities, to spiritual Images ripening.
Give me, O God, to sing that thought!
Give me--give him or her I love, this quenchless faith
In Thy ensemble. Whatever else withheld, withhold not from us,
Belief in plan of Thee enclosed in Time and Space;60
Health, peace, salvation universal.
Is it a dream?
Nay, but the lack of it the dream,
And, failing it, life's lore and wealth a dream,
And all the world a dream.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Walt Whitman's Song of the Universal: An Ode to the Magnificence of the Universe
Walt Whitman's Song of the Universal is one of the most celebrated poems of the 19th century. Written in free verse style, the poem is an ode to the magnificence of the universe, celebrating the diversity and unity of all things. With its sweeping imagery, philosophical musings, and lyrical beauty, the poem captures the essence of Whitman's poetic vision, and continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
Background and Context
Born in 1819, Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist, often referred to as the "father of free verse." His poetry was groundbreaking in its use of unconventional rhythms and non-traditional forms, and sought to capture the "real America" and its diverse people, landscapes, and cultures. Whitman's most famous work, Leaves of Grass, first published in 1855, was a collection of poems that celebrated the beauty and majesty of nature, the joys and sorrows of human experience, and the vastness and complexity of the universe.
Song of the Universal was written in 1860 and first appeared in the 1867 edition of Leaves of Grass. The poem is a response to the scientific discoveries of the time, particularly the theories of Darwin and the growing understanding of the vastness and complexity of the universe. It is also a reflection on the spiritual and philosophical implications of these discoveries, and a celebration of the unity and diversity of all things.
Analysis
Form and Structure
Song of the Universal is written in free verse style, with no set meter or rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into 15 stanzas, each containing between 3 and 8 lines. The lines are often long and flowing, and the poem has a sense of continuity and flow, reflecting the theme of unity that runs throughout.
The poem is also characterized by its use of repetition, with certain phrases and images recurring throughout. For example, the opening line, "Come said the Muse, / Sing me a song no poet yet has chanted," is repeated in the final stanza, creating a sense of circularity and completeness.
Imagery and Language
Whitman's use of imagery and language in Song of the Universal is both vivid and expansive, reflecting the vastness and complexity of the universe he seeks to capture. The poem is filled with stunning descriptions of the natural world, from the "the suns themselves, / Great orbs" to the "spiral rivers, the forests with their myriad tongues."
Whitman also uses language to explore the spiritual and philosophical implications of the universe's vastness and complexity, describing the "ever-returning spring, trinity sure to me you bring" and the "eternal progress, fluid and changing, calm and maddening." The poem is a celebration of the unity and diversity of all things, and Whitman's use of imagery and language creates a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and magnificence of the universe.
Themes and Ideas
The central theme of Song of the Universal is the unity and diversity of all things. Whitman celebrates the interconnectedness of all aspects of the universe, from the smallest atom to the largest sun, and sees this interconnectedness as a source of beauty and wonder. The poem is also a reflection on the spiritual and philosophical implications of the universe's vastness and complexity, exploring ideas of eternity, progress, and change.
Whitman's celebration of the unity and diversity of all things is also a celebration of the human experience, and the poem is filled with references to human emotions and experiences. For example, he describes the "happiness, which whoever hears me let him or her set out in search of this day" and the "strong and delicious word which, creeping into the ears of men, / Turns them into ecstasy."
Contextual Significance
Song of the Universal was written during a time of great scientific discovery, and reflects both the excitement and awe that accompanied these discoveries, as well as the spiritual and philosophical questions they raised. The poem can be seen as a response to the growing awareness of the vastness and complexity of the universe, and an attempt to come to terms with the implications of this knowledge.
Whitman's celebration of the unity and diversity of all things also reflects the social and political context of his time, as he sought to create a vision of American society that was inclusive and diverse. His poetry celebrated the beauty and dignity of all people, regardless of their background or social status, and sought to create a sense of national identity that was rooted in shared values and experiences.
Conclusion
Walt Whitman's Song of the Universal is a masterpiece of free verse poetry, capturing the magnificence and beauty of the universe in sweeping, lyrical language. The poem celebrates the unity and diversity of all things, reflecting both the excitement and awe of scientific discovery and the spiritual and philosophical questions raised by these discoveries.
Through his vivid descriptions of the natural world and his exploration of human experience and emotion, Whitman creates a sense of wonder and awe at the vastness and complexity of the universe. The poem remains a testament to the power and beauty of poetry, and to the human capacity for wonder and awe in the face of the unknown.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Song of the Universal: A Celebration of Life and Unity
Walt Whitman's "Song of the Universal" is a masterpiece of American poetry, a celebration of life and unity that speaks to the soul of every reader. Written in free verse, the poem is a hymn to the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and a call to embrace our common humanity. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this classic poem, and discover why it continues to inspire and uplift readers more than a century after it was written.
The poem begins with a bold declaration of the poet's intention: "Come, said the Muse, / Sing me a song no poet yet has chanted." This is not a humble request for inspiration, but a challenge to himself and his fellow poets to break free from convention and create something truly original. The Muse, a traditional figure in Greek mythology, represents the source of artistic inspiration, and Whitman invokes her here as a symbol of his own creative power.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its exuberant language and vivid imagery. Whitman describes the earth as a "chanting choir," with all its creatures singing together in harmony. He celebrates the "varied carols" of the birds, the "whispering waves" of the sea, and the "mighty chorus" of the wind. The repetition of the word "chant" emphasizes the musical quality of the natural world, and suggests that everything in it is part of a grand symphony.
In the second stanza, Whitman turns his attention to humanity, and declares that we too are part of this universal song. He celebrates the diversity of human experience, from the "savage" to the "civilized," and declares that all are equal in the eyes of nature. He rejects the idea of hierarchy and division, and instead celebrates the "common bulk" of humanity. This is a radical idea for its time, when many people believed in the superiority of certain races or classes. Whitman's vision of a world where all are equal and all are part of the same song is a powerful statement of human unity.
The third stanza is perhaps the most famous in the poem, and contains some of its most beautiful language. Whitman describes the stars as "the perpetual inborn ecstacy" of the universe, and celebrates their "silent, subtle, constant laws." He suggests that the stars are not just objects in the sky, but living beings with their own consciousness and purpose. This idea of the universe as a living, conscious entity is a recurring theme in Whitman's work, and reflects his belief in the interconnectedness of all things.
In the fourth stanza, Whitman returns to the theme of human unity, and declares that all people are part of the same "great procession." He celebrates the diversity of human experience, from the "slaves" to the "masters," and suggests that all are part of a larger whole. He rejects the idea of individualism and celebrates the power of collective action. This is a powerful message in a world where many people feel isolated and disconnected from others.
The fifth stanza is a celebration of the natural world, and a call to embrace its beauty and power. Whitman describes the "mighty orb of song," which encompasses everything in the universe, and suggests that we should all be part of it. He celebrates the "joyous, unrestrained, singing" of the birds, and suggests that we should all be like them, free and unencumbered. This is a powerful message of liberation and freedom, and suggests that we should all embrace our natural instincts and desires.
The sixth and final stanza is a call to action, a challenge to the reader to join the universal song and become part of something greater than themselves. Whitman declares that "the earth never tires," and suggests that we too should be tireless in our pursuit of joy and beauty. He celebrates the power of the human spirit, and suggests that we can overcome any obstacle if we are united in our purpose. This is a powerful message of hope and optimism, and suggests that we can all make a difference in the world if we are willing to take action.
In terms of structure, "Song of the Universal" is a free verse poem, with no set rhyme or meter. This reflects Whitman's rejection of traditional poetic forms, and his desire to create something new and original. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with its own theme and focus. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "the varied carols" and "the great procession," creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem.
The language of the poem is exuberant and celebratory, with vivid imagery and bold declarations. Whitman uses repetition, alliteration, and metaphor to create a sense of musicality and rhythm. His use of the first person voice, and his direct address to the reader, creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The poem is full of contrasts and paradoxes, such as the idea of the earth as both "calm and cool" and "wild and whirling," which reflect Whitman's belief in the complexity and diversity of the natural world.
In conclusion, "Song of the Universal" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and the unity of all humanity. Whitman's bold language and vivid imagery create a sense of joy and exuberance that is infectious and uplifting. His rejection of hierarchy and division, and his celebration of collective action and human unity, are as relevant today as they were when the poem was written. "Song of the Universal" is a timeless masterpiece of American poetry, and a testament to the power of the human spirit.
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