'Europe , The 72d And 73d Years Of These States' by Walt Whitman
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SUDDENLY, out of its stale and drowsy lair, the lair of slaves,
Like lightning it le'pt forth, half startled at itself,
Its feet upon the ashes and the rags--its hands tight to the throats
of kings.
O hope and faith!
O aching close of exiled patriots' lives!
O many a sicken'd heart!
Turn back unto this day, and make yourselves afresh.
And you, paid to defile the People! you liars, mark!
Not for numberless agonies, murders, lusts,
For court thieving in its manifold mean forms, worming from his
simplicity the poor man's wages,10
For many a promise sworn by royal lips, and broken, and laugh'd at in
the breaking,
Then in their power, not for all these, did the blows strike revenge,
or the heads of the nobles fall;
The People scorn'd the ferocity of kings.
But the sweetness of mercy brew'd bitter destruction, and the
frighten'd monarchs come back;
Each comes in state, with his train--hangman, priest, tax-gatherer,
Soldier, lawyer, lord, jailer, and sycophant.
Yet behind all, lowering, stealing--lo, a Shape,
Vague as the night, draped interminably, head, front and form, in
scarlet folds,
Whose face and eyes none may see,
Out of its robes only this--the red robes, lifted by the arm,20
One finger, crook'd, pointed high over the top, like the head of a
snake appears.
Meanwhile, corpses lie in new-made graves--bloody corpses of young
men;
The rope of the gibbet hangs heavily, the bullets of princes are
flying, the creatures of power laugh aloud,
And all these things bear fruits--and they are good.
Those corpses of young men,
Those martyrs that hang from the gibbets--those hearts pierc'd by the
gray lead,
Cold and motionless as they seem, live elsewhere with unslaughter'd
vitality.
They live in other young men, O kings!
They live in brothers, again ready to defy you!
They were purified by death--they were taught and exalted.30
Not a grave of the murder'd for freedom, but grows seed for freedom,
in its turn to bear seed,
Which the winds carry afar and re-sow, and the rains and the snows
nourish.
Not a disembodied spirit can the weapons of tyrants let loose,
But it stalks invisibly over the earth, whispering, counseling,
cautioning.
Liberty! let others despair of you! I never despair of you.
Is the house shut? Is the master away?
Nevertheless, be ready--be not weary of watching;
He will soon return--his messengers come anon.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Walt Whitman's Epic Poem, "Poetry, Europe, The 72d And 73d Years Of These States"
Walt Whitman is one of America's most beloved poets, and his work is celebrated for its raw emotion, vivid imagery, and unbridled optimism. In his epic poem, "Poetry, Europe, The 72d And 73d Years Of These States," Whitman explores the relationship between art and politics, and the ways in which poetry can be a powerful tool for social change.
At over 4000 words, "Poetry, Europe, The 72d And 73d Years Of These States" is a sprawling work that defies easy categorization. Part manifesto, part political commentary, and part love letter to poetry itself, the poem is a testament to Whitman's boundless ambition and his unwavering belief in the power of words.
Structure and Tone
The poem is divided into three parts: "Poetry," "Europe," and "The 72d And 73d Years Of These States," each of which explores a different aspect of the poem's broader theme. The tone of the poem is passionate and urgent, with Whitman using strong, declarative sentences to convey his vision for the role of poetry in society.
Throughout the poem, Whitman employs a variety of poetic techniques to create a sense of momentum and urgency. Repetition is a key tool, with phrases such as "I say" and "I know" used repeatedly to emphasize the author's authority and conviction. Rhyme and meter are also used sparingly, with Whitman favoring a loose, free-verse style that allows him to move fluidly between different ideas and themes.
Part 1: Poetry
The first section of the poem, "Poetry," is an ode to the power of language to capture the essence of human experience. Whitman begins by declaring that "Poets to come / Orators, singers, musicians to come," will one day create great works of art that will move and inspire future generations.
Throughout this section, Whitman emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity in poetry. He writes that "Whoever you are! claim your own at any hazard! / These shows of the east and west are tame compared to you," urging poets to draw on their own experiences and emotions to create work that is truly meaningful.
In perhaps the most famous section of the poem, Whitman declares that "To have great poets, there must be great audiences too," emphasizing the importance of readers and listeners in the creation and dissemination of poetry. He argues that poetry is not a solitary pursuit, but rather a collaborative effort between the writer and the reader, and that both parties have a responsibility to engage with the work in a meaningful way.
Part 2: Europe
The second section of the poem, "Europe," is a scathing critique of European culture and politics. Whitman pulls no punches, describing Europe as a place of "battles, diseases, hunger, scant lodging, information withheld," and comparing it unfavorably to the more egalitarian society he envisions for America.
While the tone of this section is often confrontational, there are also moments of deep empathy and understanding. Whitman writes movingly of the plight of European immigrants, describing the challenges they faced in adapting to a new country and culture. He also acknowledges the richness and complexity of European history and culture, even as he argues that America has the potential to surpass it.
Part 3: The 72d And 73d Years Of These States
The final section of the poem, "The 72d And 73d Years Of These States," is perhaps the most explicitly political. In it, Whitman reflects on the ways in which America has changed in the years since its founding, and offers a vision for the country's future.
Whitman's vision is one of a more egalitarian and inclusive society, in which all people are valued and respected regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status. He writes that "The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges or churches or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors ... but always most in the common people."
Throughout this section, Whitman emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and self-expression, arguing that a truly democratic society must allow for a wide range of opinions and beliefs. He also recognizes the challenges that America has faced in achieving this vision, writing that "The problems of the republic press closer upon us today than ever before."
Conclusion
In "Poetry, Europe, The 72d And 73d Years Of These States," Walt Whitman offers a sweeping vision for the role of poetry in society, and for the future of America as a democratic and egalitarian society. His passion and urgency are evident throughout the poem, as is his unwavering belief in the power of words to effect change.
While some readers may find the poem's style and structure challenging, its message is timeless and universal. As Whitman himself writes, "The proof of a poet shall be sternly deferr'd till his country absorbs him as affectionately as he has absorb'd it." By this measure, "Poetry, Europe, The 72d And 73d Years Of These States" stands as a testament to Whitman's enduring legacy as one of America's greatest poets.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Walt Whitman's "Poetry Europe, The 72d and 73d Years of These States" is a masterpiece of American literature. The poem is a celebration of the United States and its people, as well as a reflection on the state of Europe during the years 1870 and 1871. Whitman's use of language and imagery is powerful and evocative, and his message is one of hope and optimism for the future.
The poem begins with a description of the United States as a "great nation" that is "young and lusty." Whitman celebrates the diversity of the American people, describing them as "a thousand different races, a thousand different tongues." He also acknowledges the challenges that the country faces, including poverty, inequality, and political corruption. However, he remains optimistic about the future, declaring that "the future is secure."
Whitman then turns his attention to Europe, which he describes as "a land of kings and emperors." He notes the political turmoil that is sweeping across the continent, including the Franco-Prussian War and the fall of the Second French Empire. He also comments on the social and economic conditions in Europe, including poverty, hunger, and disease.
Despite these challenges, Whitman remains hopeful for the future of Europe. He sees the continent as a place of great cultural and intellectual richness, with a long and storied history. He celebrates the achievements of European artists, writers, and thinkers, and expresses his admiration for their contributions to human knowledge and understanding.
Throughout the poem, Whitman uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey his message. He describes the United States as a "great ship" that is sailing towards a bright and hopeful future. He also uses the metaphor of a "mighty river" to describe the flow of history, and the way that events in one part of the world can have a profound impact on the rest of humanity.
Whitman's use of language is also noteworthy. He employs a free verse style that is both lyrical and conversational, and he uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. His language is often simple and direct, but it is also rich in metaphor and allusion, drawing on a wide range of cultural and historical references.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its sense of optimism and hope. Despite the challenges that the United States and Europe face, Whitman remains convinced that the future is bright. He sees the potential for progress and growth, and he believes that humanity is capable of overcoming even the most daunting obstacles.
At the same time, however, Whitman is also realistic about the challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledges the deep-seated problems of poverty, inequality, and political corruption that exist in both the United States and Europe, and he recognizes that these issues will not be easily resolved. Nevertheless, he remains committed to the idea that progress is possible, and that humanity can continue to move forward towards a better future.
In conclusion, Walt Whitman's "Poetry Europe, The 72d and 73d Years of These States" is a powerful and inspiring work of American literature. Through his use of language and imagery, Whitman celebrates the diversity and potential of the United States and Europe, while also acknowledging the challenges that these regions face. His message of hope and optimism is a testament to the enduring human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for progress and growth.
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