'On Journeys Through The States' by Walt Whitman


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ON journeys through the States we start,
(Ay, through the world--urged by these songs,
Sailing henceforth to every land--to every sea;)
We, willing learners of all, teachers of all, and lovers of all.

We have watch'd the seasons dispensing themselves, and passing on,
We have said, Why should not a man or woman do as much as the
seasons, and effuse as much?

We dwell a while in every city and town;
We pass through Kanada, the north-east, the vast valley of the
Mississippi, and the Southern States;
We confer on equal terms with each of The States,
We make trial of ourselves, and invite men and women to hear;10
We say to ourselves, Remember, fear not, be candid, promulge the body
and the Soul;
Dwell a while and pass on--Be copious, temperate, chaste, magnetic,
And what you effuse may then return as the seasons return,
And may be just as much as the seasons.

Editor 1 Interpretation

On Journeys Through The States: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

"Walt Whitman was a genius, a visionary, a poet of the people." These are the words that often come to mind when one thinks of the man who wrote "On Journeys Through The States." This poem is one of his most famous works, and for good reason. It is a celebration of the American spirit, a hymn to the diversity of the nation, and a meditation on the meaning of journey and identity. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and structure of this masterpiece of American literature.

The Themes of "On Journeys Through The States"

What is this poem about? At first glance, it seems to be a travelogue, a description of the different regions of America and the people who live there. The speaker tells us about the prairies, the mountains, the forests, the cities, and the people who inhabit them. But as we read on, we realize that there is more to this poem than just a catalogue of sights and sounds. "On Journeys Through The States" is, at its core, a meditation on the themes of identity, journey, and diversity.

One of the key themes of this poem is identity. Who are we, and how do we define ourselves? The speaker of the poem is clearly on a journey of self-discovery, as he travels through the different states and encounters different people. He is searching for something, trying to find his place in the world. At times, he seems lost and confused, unsure of who he is or where he belongs. But he is also filled with a sense of wonder and excitement, as he encounters new landscapes and new people.

Another theme of the poem is journey. The speaker is constantly on the move, traveling from one place to another. But this is not just a physical journey; it is also a spiritual journey. As he travels, he learns about himself and about the world around him. He gains a deeper understanding of the diversity of America, and of the ways in which different cultures and traditions can coexist.

Finally, the poem celebrates the diversity of America. Whitman is fascinated by the different people he encounters on his journey, and he celebrates their unique cultures, traditions, and ways of life. He sees America as a melting pot, a place where different ethnicities and cultures can come together and create something new and beautiful.

The Imagery of "On Journeys Through The States"

Whitman is famous for his use of vivid and evocative imagery, and "On Journeys Through The States" is no exception. The poem is filled with rich descriptions of the landscapes and people that the speaker encounters on his journey. In this section, we will explore some of the most striking images in the poem.

One of the most memorable images in the poem is that of the prairies. Whitman describes the "unfenced freedom" of the prairies, where "the buffalo-calf and the doe lie down together." This image is a powerful symbol of the freedom and openness of America, and it captures the sense of possibility and adventure that the speaker feels as he travels through the country.

Another memorable image is that of the mountains. Whitman describes the "stern and rock-bound coast" of the mountains, where "the giant trees stand like sentinels." This image is a symbol of the ruggedness and strength of America, and it captures the sense of pride and resilience that the speaker feels as he journeys through the country.

The poem is also filled with images of people from different walks of life. Whitman describes the "red aborigines" of the West, the "Negroes of the South," the "Spaniards of Florida," and the "Hindoo" of California. Each of these images is a symbol of the diversity and richness of America, and together they create a portrait of a nation that is constantly evolving and changing.

The Structure of "On Journeys Through The States"

The structure of "On Journeys Through The States" is complex and multi-layered. The poem is divided into eleven sections, each of which focuses on a different region of America. Within each section, there are multiple stanzas, each of which contains multiple lines. The poem is written in free verse, without any rhyme or meter.

One of the key structural devices that Whitman uses in this poem is repetition. Throughout the poem, he repeats certain phrases and images, creating a sense of unity and coherence. For example, he repeats the phrase "journeys through the States" throughout the poem, tying together the different sections and creating a sense of continuity.

Another important structural device is the use of parallelism. Whitman often sets up a contrast between two different images or ideas, and then explores the ways in which they are connected. For example, in the section on the prairies, he contrasts the "immense and sullen skies" with the "fresh and delicate stars." This contrast creates a sense of tension and excitement, and it helps to convey the sense of wonder and awe that the speaker feels as he travels through the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "On Journeys Through The States" is a masterpiece of American literature, a poem that celebrates the diversity, resilience, and openness of the American spirit. Through its vivid imagery, complex structure, and profound themes, it captures the sense of adventure and possibility that has always been at the heart of the American experience. Whether we are on a physical journey through the country, or on a journey of self-discovery, this poem reminds us of the beauty and richness of the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On Journeys Through The States: A Celebration of America by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, the father of free verse, is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. His work, "Poetry On Journeys Through The States," is a collection of poems that celebrates the diversity and beauty of America. Whitman's poetry is a reflection of his love for his country and his belief in the American spirit.

The collection is divided into three parts: "Starting from Paumanok," "Song of the Open Road," and "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry." Each part explores different aspects of America, from the natural beauty of the land to the people who inhabit it.

"Starting from Paumanok" is the first part of the collection and is named after the Native American name for Long Island, where Whitman was born. The poems in this section celebrate the natural beauty of America, from the rolling hills of Pennsylvania to the vast prairies of the Midwest. Whitman's descriptions of the landscape are vivid and detailed, painting a picture of a country that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

In "Song of the Open Road," Whitman explores the idea of freedom and the open road. The poem is a celebration of the American spirit of adventure and exploration. Whitman's use of free verse and repetition creates a sense of movement and energy, as if the reader is traveling along with him on his journey. The poem is a call to action, urging the reader to embrace the open road and all the possibilities that come with it.

"Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" is the final part of the collection and is named after the ferry that crosses the East River from Brooklyn to Manhattan. The poem is a meditation on time and the passage of time. Whitman reflects on the changes that have occurred since he first crossed the ferry, from the growth of the city to the passing of loved ones. The poem is a reminder that time is fleeting and that we must cherish every moment.

Whitman's poetry is a celebration of America and all that it represents. His use of free verse and vivid imagery creates a sense of movement and energy that is both exhilarating and inspiring. His poetry is a call to action, urging the reader to embrace the open road and all the possibilities that come with it.

One of the most striking features of Whitman's poetry is his use of free verse. Unlike traditional poetry, which is characterized by strict meter and rhyme schemes, free verse is characterized by its lack of structure. Whitman's use of free verse allows him to capture the natural rhythms of speech and to create a sense of movement and energy in his poetry.

Another notable feature of Whitman's poetry is his use of repetition. He often repeats phrases and words, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis. This repetition also serves to reinforce the themes of his poetry, such as freedom and the open road.

Whitman's poetry is also notable for its celebration of the common man. He often writes about the working class and the everyday people who make up America. His poetry is a celebration of their struggles and their triumphs, and a reminder that they are just as important as the wealthy and powerful.

In conclusion, "Poetry On Journeys Through The States" is a celebration of America and all that it represents. Whitman's use of free verse, repetition, and vivid imagery creates a sense of movement and energy that is both exhilarating and inspiring. His poetry is a call to action, urging the reader to embrace the open road and all the possibilities that come with it. Whitman's poetry is a reminder that America is a country of diversity and beauty, and that we must cherish every moment.

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