'Who Learns My Lesson Complete?' by Walt Whitman


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WHO learns my lesson complete?
Boss, journeyman, apprentice--churchman and atheist,
The stupid and the wise thinker--parents and offspring--merchant,
clerk, porter and customer,
Editor, author, artist, and schoolboy--Draw nigh and commence;
It is no lesson--it lets down the bars to a good lesson,
And that to another, and every one to another still.

The great laws take and effuse without argument;
I am of the same style, for I am their friend,
I love them quits and quits--I do not halt, and make salaams.

I lie abstracted, and hear beautiful tales of things, and the reasons
of things;10
They are so beautiful, I nudge myself to listen.

I cannot say to any person what I hear--I cannot say it to myself--it
is very wonderful.

It is no small matter, this round and delicious globe, moving so
exactly in its orbit forever and ever, without one jolt, or the
untruth of a single second;
I do not think it was made in six days, nor in ten thousand years,
nor ten billions of years,
Nor plann'd and built one thing after another, as an architect plans
and builds a house.

I do not think seventy years is the time of a man or woman,
Nor that seventy millions of years is the time of a man or woman,
Nor that years will ever stop the existence of me, or any one else.

Is it wonderful that I should be immortal? as every one is immortal;
I know it is wonderful, but my eyesight is equally wonderful, and how
I was conceived in my mother's womb is equally wonderful;20
And pass'd from a babe, in the creeping trance of a couple of summers
and winters, to articulate and walk--All this is equally
wonderful.

And that my Soul embraces you this hour, and we affect each other
without ever seeing each other, and never perhaps to see each
other, is every bit as wonderful.

And that I can think such thoughts as these, is just as wonderful;
And that I can remind you, and you think them, and know them to be
true, is just as wonderful.

And that the moon spins round the earth, and on with the earth, is
equally wonderful,
And that they balance themselves with the sun and stars, is equally
wonderful.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Who Learns My Lesson Complete? A Deep Dive into Walt Whitman's Poetry

Walt Whitman's poetry has been praised for its raw emotion and revolutionary style. Among his many works, "Who Learns My Lesson Complete?" stands out as a powerful and thought-provoking piece that touches upon themes of mortality, identity, and the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the nuances of this classic poem.

Overview of "Who Learns My Lesson Complete?"

"Who Learns My Lesson Complete?" is a short but poignant poem that consists of sixteen lines. The poem is written in free verse, a form of poetry that does not adhere to traditional rhyme schemes or meter patterns. The lack of structure in free verse allows for a more organic and natural expression of ideas.

The poem opens with the line "Who learns my lesson complete?" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, inviting the reader to ponder the question of what it means to learn a lesson completely. The speaker then goes on to describe a series of experiences that they have had, including moments of joy and pain, and asks if anyone can truly understand or learn from those experiences.

The poem concludes with the lines "Who knows my power, and what I mean? / Who is so brave to be a teacher of mine?" These lines suggest that the speaker is searching for someone who can comprehend their innermost thoughts and feelings. The use of the word "brave" implies that this understanding is not easy to attain and requires a certain level of courage and openness.

Themes in "Who Learns My Lesson Complete?"

One of the overarching themes in "Who Learns My Lesson Complete?" is the transient nature of life. The speaker reflects on their experiences, both good and bad, and acknowledges that they are fleeting. This theme is encapsulated in the line "I have lived with the animals and the plants... / I have look'd at the stars for a moment only." The use of the word "moment" emphasizes the brevity of these experiences and highlights the impermanence of life.

Another theme in the poem is the search for meaning and understanding. The speaker asks if anyone can truly comprehend their experiences and intentions, suggesting a sense of isolation and loneliness. This theme is further reinforced through the use of the word "brave," which implies that understanding the speaker's thoughts and feelings requires a certain amount of courage and vulnerability.

Identity is also a prominent theme in the poem. The speaker describes their experiences with nature and the universe, suggesting a connection to something greater than themselves. This connection is reflected in the line "I have heard what the talkers were talking... / The talk of the beginning and the end." The use of the word "heard" implies that the speaker is listening to a conversation that transcends human understanding and encompasses the entirety of existence.

Interpretation of "Who Learns My Lesson Complete?"

"Who Learns My Lesson Complete?" is a complex and multi-layered poem that invites interpretation and analysis. At its core, the poem is a reflection on the human condition and the search for meaning in a fundamentally uncertain world.

The speaker's experiences with nature and the universe suggest a desire to connect with something greater than themselves. This desire is reflected in the line "I have felt the living soul of man... / And the dead soul of man." The use of the word "soul" implies a belief in something beyond the physical realm and suggests a search for transcendence.

The theme of isolation and loneliness is also prominent in the poem. The speaker asks if anyone can truly understand their experiences and intentions, suggesting a sense of disconnection from the world around them. This theme is reinforced through the use of the word "brave," which implies that understanding the speaker's thoughts and feelings requires a certain amount of courage and vulnerability.

Overall, "Who Learns My Lesson Complete?" is a powerful and evocative poem that invites interpretation and reflection. The poem's themes of mortality, identity, and the human condition resonate with readers and continue to inspire new interpretations and insights.

Conclusion

Walt Whitman's "Who Learns My Lesson Complete?" is a timeless piece of poetry that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way. The poem's use of free verse, combined with its themes of mortality, identity, and the search for meaning, creates a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work.

As readers, we are invited to contemplate the nature of our own experiences and the search for understanding in an uncertain world. Through its complex and nuanced exploration of the human condition, "Who Learns My Lesson Complete?" continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Walt Whitman's "Who Learns My Lesson Complete?" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. The poem is a reflection on life and the lessons that we learn along the way. It is a powerful piece that speaks to the human experience and the journey that we all must take.

The poem begins with the line "Who learns my lesson complete?" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a question that is asked of the reader, and it is a question that we must all ask ourselves. The poem is a call to action, a call to learn the lessons that life has to offer.

The first stanza of the poem is a description of the world around us. Whitman describes the beauty of nature and the wonders of the universe. He speaks of the stars and the planets, and he marvels at the complexity of the world. This stanza is a reminder that we are all a part of something much larger than ourselves. It is a reminder that we are all connected to each other and to the world around us.

The second stanza of the poem is a reflection on the human experience. Whitman speaks of the struggles that we all face in life. He speaks of the pain and the suffering that we endure, and he acknowledges that these experiences shape us into the people that we are. This stanza is a reminder that life is not always easy, but it is through our struggles that we grow and learn.

The third stanza of the poem is a call to action. Whitman urges the reader to learn from their experiences and to use those lessons to become better people. He speaks of the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement. This stanza is a reminder that we are all capable of change, and that we should strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of love. Whitman speaks of the love that we have for each other, and he acknowledges that it is through this love that we are able to overcome our struggles. He speaks of the importance of compassion and empathy, and he urges the reader to love one another.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on death. Whitman acknowledges that death is a part of life, and that it is through death that we are able to appreciate the beauty of life. He speaks of the importance of living in the present moment and of cherishing the time that we have.

Overall, "Who Learns My Lesson Complete?" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience. It is a reminder that we are all connected to each other and to the world around us. It is a call to action, urging us to learn from our experiences and to use those lessons to become better people. It is a reflection on the power of love and the importance of living in the present moment. This poem is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and motivate readers for generations to come.

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