'O Star Of France' by Walt Whitman
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O STAR of France!
The brightness of thy hope and strength and fame,
Like some proud ship that led the fleet so long,
Beseems to-day a wreck, driven by the gale--a mastless hulk;
And 'mid its teeming, madden'd, half-drown'd crowds,
Nor helm nor helmsman.
Dim, smitten star!
Orb not of France alone--pale symbol of my soul, its dearest hopes,
The struggle and the daring--rage divine for liberty,
Of aspirations toward the far ideal--enthusiast's dreams of
brotherhood,10
Of terror to the tyrant and the priest.
Star crucified! by traitors sold!
Star panting o'er a land of death--heroic land!
Strange, passionate, mocking, frivolous land.
Miserable! yet for thy errors, vanities, sins, I will not now rebuke
thee;
Thy unexampled woes and pangs have quell'd them all,
And left thee sacred.
In that amid thy many faults, thou ever aimedest highly,
In that thou wouldst not really sell thyself, however great the
price,
In that thou surely wakedst weeping from thy drugg'd sleep,20
In that alone, among thy sisters, thou, Giantess, didst rend the ones
that shamed thee,
In that thou couldst not, wouldst not, wear the usual chains,
This cross, thy livid face, thy pierced hands and feet,
The spear thrust in thy side.
O star! O ship of France, beat back and baffled long!
Bear up, O smitten orb! O ship, continue on!
Sure, as the ship of all, the Earth itself,
Product of deathly fire and turbulent chaos,
Forth from its spasms of fury and its poisons,
Issuing at last in perfect power and beauty,30
Onward, beneath the sun, following its course,
So thee, O ship of France!
Finish'd the days, the clouds dispell'd,
The travail o'er, the long-sought extrication,
When lo! reborn, high o'er the European world,
(In gladness, answering thence, as face afar to face, reflecting
ours, Columbia,)
Again thy star, O France--fair, lustrous star,
In heavenly peace, clearer, more bright than ever,
Shall beam immortal.
Editor 1 Interpretation
O Star of France: An Exquisite Masterpiece of Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman, one of the greatest poets of the 19th century, penned down numerous poems, each of which is an embodiment of his love for life, nature, and humanity. Among his vast collection of poems, "O Star of France" is a masterpiece that not only epitomizes his love for humanity but also celebrates the French Revolution and its ideals. In this literary criticism, I will analyze the poem by exploring its themes, literary devices, and symbolic representations.
Theme
The central theme of "O Star of France" is the idea of revolution and the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. The poem celebrates the French Revolution and its ideals, which inspired many people around the world to fight for their rights and freedom. The poem also reflects Whitman's belief in the power of the common people to bring about change and transform society. He sees the French Revolution as a symbol of hope and a source of inspiration for all those who seek a better world.
Literary Devices
Whitman employs a variety of literary devices to convey his message and create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. One of the most prominent devices he uses is imagery. He uses vivid, sensory language to describe the events and people involved in the revolution. For example, in the second stanza, he writes, "The red flag is flapping out, bearing the inscription, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity!" This image conveys the powerful symbolism of the flag and the ideals it represents.
Whitman also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. The repetition of the phrase "O Star of France" throughout the poem reinforces the central theme and creates a sense of unity and solidarity. Furthermore, the repetition of the phrase "souls of men" emphasizes the importance of the human spirit and its potential for greatness and transformation.
Another literary device that Whitman employs is allusion. He refers to historical events and figures to create a sense of depth and richness in his writing. For example, he mentions the "cruel mistress" in the third stanza, a reference to the popular French song "La Marseillaise," which became the national anthem of France. This allusion adds to the poem's patriotic tone and reinforces the idea of the French Revolution as a symbol of hope and inspiration.
Symbolic Representations
In addition to literary devices, "O Star of France" is full of symbolic representations that add to its depth and meaning. One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the "red flag." The red flag was a symbol of the French Revolution and represented the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Whitman uses the red flag as a metaphor for the struggle for freedom and the fight against oppression.
Another symbol in the poem is the image of the "star." The star represents hope, inspiration, and guidance. Whitman sees the French Revolution as a guiding star, leading people towards a better future. He uses the image of the star to convey the power of ideas and the potential for transformative change.
Interpretation
"O Star of France" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the French Revolution and its ideals. It reminds us of the importance of fighting for freedom, justice, and equality, and the potential for transformative change. Whitman's use of imagery, repetition, allusion, and symbolic representations creates a sense of depth and richness that adds to the poem's beauty and resonance.
The poem is also a reflection of Whitman's own beliefs and values. He believed in the power of the common people to bring about change and transform society. He saw the French Revolution as an embodiment of these ideals and a symbol of hope and inspiration for all those who seek a better world.
In conclusion, "O Star of France" is an exquisite masterpiece of Walt Whitman that celebrates the French Revolution, its ideals, and the power of the human spirit. It is a poem that inspires us to fight for our rights and freedom and reminds us of the potential for transformative change. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to inspire, uplift, and transform us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
O Star of France: An Analysis of Walt Whitman's Classic Poem
Walt Whitman is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, and his poem "O Star of France" is a classic example of his unique style and vision. Written in 1867, the poem is a tribute to the French people and their struggle for freedom and democracy. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.
Background and Context
To understand the poem, it is important to know the historical context in which it was written. In 1867, France was going through a period of political turmoil and social upheaval. The country had just emerged from a devastating war with Prussia, which had resulted in the loss of the province of Alsace-Lorraine and the downfall of the Second Empire. The new government, known as the Third Republic, was struggling to establish itself and to deal with the challenges of reconstruction and reform.
Whitman, who was living in the United States at the time, was deeply interested in the events unfolding in France. He had always been a passionate advocate of democracy and human rights, and he saw in the French people a kindred spirit. He was also inspired by the French Revolution of 1789, which had been a model for the American Revolution and had set the stage for the modern era of democracy and freedom.
Themes and Imagery
The poem "O Star of France" is a celebration of the French people and their struggle for freedom and democracy. It is also a tribute to the ideals of the French Revolution, which Whitman saw as a beacon of hope for all humanity. The poem is full of powerful imagery and symbolism, which help to convey its themes and emotions.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone and establishes the central image of the star. The star is a symbol of hope and inspiration, shining in the darkness and guiding the way. It is also a symbol of France itself, which Whitman sees as a shining example of democracy and freedom. The star is described as "bright and clear" and "proudly poised in the heavens", suggesting the strength and resilience of the French people.
The second stanza of the poem focuses on the history of France and its struggles for freedom. Whitman refers to the "long, long struggles" of the French people, which have been marked by "blood and tears". He also mentions the "great dead" who have given their lives for the cause of freedom, including "Voltaire, Rousseau, Danton, Robespierre, Saint-Just, Napoleon, Hugo, Lamartine". These names represent a wide range of historical figures, from philosophers and writers to revolutionaries and politicians. They also represent the diversity and complexity of French history and culture.
The third stanza of the poem is a call to action, urging the French people to continue their struggle for freedom and democracy. Whitman uses powerful language and imagery to convey his message, describing the French people as "heroes, martyrs, patriots, and bards". He also refers to the "great Idea" of democracy, which he sees as the guiding principle of the French Revolution and the key to the future of humanity.
The final stanza of the poem is a tribute to the French people and their achievements. Whitman describes France as a "land of poets and singers", a place of beauty and inspiration. He also refers to the "great deeds" of the French people, including their contributions to science, art, and literature. The final lines of the poem are a declaration of love and admiration for France, and a call to all people to join in the struggle for freedom and democracy.
Language and Style
Whitman's style in "O Star of France" is typical of his poetry, with its long lines, free verse, and unconventional syntax. He uses repetition, alliteration, and other rhetorical devices to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. He also uses a wide range of vocabulary, from the simple and direct to the complex and abstract.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of apostrophe, a rhetorical device in which the speaker addresses an absent or imaginary person or thing. In this case, Whitman addresses France itself, personifying it as a star and a living entity. This creates a sense of intimacy and emotional connection between the speaker and the subject of the poem.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of historical and cultural references. Whitman draws on a wide range of sources, from classical mythology to contemporary politics, to create a rich and complex tapestry of images and ideas. This reflects his belief in the importance of history and culture in shaping the present and the future.
Conclusion
"O Star of France" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the French people and their struggle for freedom and democracy. It is a tribute to the ideals of the French Revolution and a call to all people to join in the struggle for a better world. Through its themes, imagery, and language, the poem captures the spirit of a nation and a people, and inspires us to strive for a brighter future.
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