'As I Watche'd The Ploughman Ploughing' by Walt Whitman
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AS I watch'd the ploughman ploughing,
Or the sower sowing in the fields--or the harvester harvesting,
I saw there too, O life and death, your analogies:
(Life, life is the tillage, and Death is the harvest according.)
Editor 1 Interpretation
"As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing" by Walt Whitman: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
When Walt Whitman published his collection of poems titled "Leaves of Grass" in 1855, he shocked the literary world with his unconventional style and subject matter. One of the poems included in this collection is "As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing," a piece that reflects Whitman's admiration for the common man and his connection to the natural world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes and literary devices used by Whitman in this poem, and explore what makes it a timeless classic in American literature.
Historical Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand the historical context in which it was written. In the mid-19th century, America was experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization, transforming the landscape and the way people lived and worked. Whitman, however, was not interested in the urban elite or the wealthy aristocracy. Instead, he celebrated the common people - the farmers, the laborers, and the working class. He believed that they were the backbone of the nation, and that their connection to the land and the natural world was what made America great.
Poem Analysis
Structure
"As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing" is a free verse poem that consists of three stanzas. The first two stanzas have 11 lines each, while the third stanza has 12 lines. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, although there are occasional rhymes and repetitions that give it a musical quality.
Themes
The poem's central theme is the connection between man and nature. Whitman uses the image of the ploughman working the land to illustrate this connection. He marvels at the ploughman's skill and strength, and sees him as a symbol of the human spirit. The ploughman's effort is essential to the earth, and his work keeps the land fertile and productive. Whitman also celebrates the purity and simplicity of the ploughman's life, which he contrasts with the greed and corruption of urban society.
Literary Devices
Whitman uses a number of literary devices to convey his message in "As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing." One of the most prominent is imagery. Throughout the poem, Whitman paints vivid pictures of the ploughman and the natural world around him. He uses sensory details such as the "scent of the growing corn," the "soft wind blowing across the brown fields," and the "rich perfume of clover" to create a sensory experience for the reader.
Whitman also employs repetition to reinforce his themes. The phrase "As I watch'd" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's contemplative nature and his deep connection to the ploughman and the land. Whitman also repeats the word "strong" several times to describe the ploughman's physical and emotional stamina.
Another literary device used in the poem is alliteration. Whitman uses alliteration to create a rhythmic quality to the poem, as well as to draw attention to certain words and phrases. For example, in the first stanza, he writes, "Through the ample open door of the peaceful country barn, / A sun-lit pasture field with cattle and horses feeding." The repetition of the "p" and "c" sounds creates a sense of peacefulness and serenity.
Interpretation
"As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing" is a tribute to the common man and his connection to the natural world. Whitman sees the ploughman as a symbol of the human spirit, and he marvels at the ploughman's skill and strength. He contrasts the purity and simplicity of the ploughman's life with the corruption and greed of urban society, suggesting that the natural world is a purer and more authentic experience for humans.
The poem also reflects Whitman's belief in the power of individualism. The ploughman is not only a symbol of the human spirit, but also of individuality. He works the land with his own hands, using his own strength and skill. Whitman values this kind of independence, and sees it as an essential part of the American character.
Overall, "As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing" is a celebration of the human connection to the natural world, as well as a tribute to the common man and the American spirit. It reflects Whitman's belief in individualism, and his rejection of the materialism and corruption of urban society.
Conclusion
Walt Whitman's "As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing" is a timeless classic in American literature. Through his vivid imagery, repetition, and use of literary devices such as alliteration, Whitman conveys his admiration for the common man and his connection to the natural world. The poem is a celebration of individualism and the American spirit, and a rejection of the materialism and corruption of urban society. Its themes and messages are just as relevant today as they were in the mid-19th century, and it is a testament to Whitman's talent as a poet that his work continues to inspire and move readers around the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
As I Watched The Ploughman Ploughing: A Masterpiece of American Poetry
Walt Whitman, the father of free verse and one of the most influential poets in American literature, wrote "As I Watched The Ploughman Ploughing" in 1865. This poem is a celebration of the beauty and dignity of manual labor, and it captures the essence of the American spirit. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
Themes
The central theme of "As I Watched The Ploughman Ploughing" is the beauty of labor. Whitman celebrates the ploughman, who is working hard in the field, and he sees in him a symbol of the American spirit. The poem is a tribute to the hardworking people who built America, and it is a reminder of the value of manual labor.
Another theme of the poem is the connection between man and nature. Whitman portrays the ploughman as a part of the natural world, working in harmony with the earth. He sees the ploughman as a link between man and nature, and he celebrates the beauty of this connection.
Structure
The poem is written in free verse, which is characteristic of Whitman's style. Free verse is a form of poetry that does not follow a strict meter or rhyme scheme, and it allows the poet to express himself freely. Whitman's free verse is often characterized by long lines and a conversational tone, which gives his poetry a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
"As I Watched The Ploughman Ploughing" consists of three stanzas, each with six lines. The poem has a simple and straightforward structure, which reflects the simplicity and beauty of the ploughman's work. The first stanza describes the ploughman and his work, the second stanza celebrates the beauty of the natural world, and the third stanza concludes with a reflection on the meaning of the ploughman's work.
Language
Whitman's language in "As I Watched The Ploughman Ploughing" is simple and direct, but it is also rich in imagery and metaphor. He uses vivid descriptions to bring the ploughman and the natural world to life, and he uses metaphor to convey the deeper meaning of the poem.
In the first stanza, Whitman describes the ploughman as "strong, simple, and well-built," and he compares him to a "horse or ox." This comparison emphasizes the ploughman's connection to the natural world, and it suggests that his work is as essential to the earth as the work of animals.
In the second stanza, Whitman celebrates the beauty of the natural world, describing the "blue sky" and the "green fields." He uses metaphor to convey the idea that the ploughman's work is a part of this beauty, saying that the "furrowed land" is like a "poem." This metaphor suggests that the ploughman's work is a form of art, and that it is as beautiful and meaningful as any other form of creative expression.
In the third stanza, Whitman reflects on the meaning of the ploughman's work, saying that it is "the emblem of my soul." This line suggests that the ploughman's work is a symbol of the American spirit, and that it represents the values of hard work, perseverance, and self-reliance that are at the heart of the American identity.
Conclusion
"As I Watched The Ploughman Ploughing" is a masterpiece of American poetry, and it is a testament to the beauty and dignity of manual labor. Whitman's celebration of the ploughman and his work is a reminder of the value of hard work, and it is a tribute to the people who built America. The poem's simple structure and direct language reflect the simplicity and beauty of the ploughman's work, and its themes of the connection between man and nature and the American spirit are as relevant today as they were when the poem was written.
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