'France , The 18th Year Of These States' by Walt Whitman
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A GREAT year and place;
A harsh, discordant, natal scream out-sounding, to touch the mother's
heart closer than any yet.
I walk'd the shores of my Eastern Sea,
Heard over the waves the little voice,
Saw the divine infant, where she woke, mournfully wailing, amid the
roar of cannon, curses, shouts, crash of falling buildings;
Was not so sick from the blood in the gutters running--nor from the
single corpses, nor those in heaps, nor those borne away in the
tumbrils;
Was not so desperate at the battues of death--was not so shock'd at
the repeated fusillades of the guns.
Pale, silent, stern, what could I say to that long-accrued
retribution?
Could I wish humanity different?
Could I wish the people made of wood and stone?10
Or that there be no justice in destiny or time?
O Liberty! O mate for me!
Here too the blaze, the grape-shot and the axe, in reserve, to fetch
them out in case of need;
Here too, though long represt, can never be destroy'd;
Here too could rise at last, murdering and extatic;
Here too demanding full arrears of vengeance.
Hence I sign this salute over the sea,
And I do not deny that terrible red birth and baptism,
But remember the little voice that I heard wailing--and wait with
perfect trust, no matter how long;
And from to-day, sad and cogent, I maintain the bequeath'd cause, as
for all lands,20
And I send these words to Paris with my love,
And I guess some chansonniers there will understand them,
For I guess there is latent music yet in France--floods of it;
O I hear already the bustle of instruments--they will soon be
drowning all that would interrupt them;
O I think the east wind brings a triumphal and free march,
It reaches hither--it swells me to joyful madness,
I will run transpose it in words, to justify it,
I will yet sing a song for you, MA FEMME.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"France, The 18th Year Of These States" by Walt Whitman
Have you ever read a poem that makes you feel like you are transported to a different time and place? "France, The 18th Year Of These States" by Walt Whitman is one of those poems. This classic piece of poetry is a perfect example of how Whitman used his writing to address issues of his time, and how his poetry continues to resonate with readers to this day.
Background
Let's start with a little bit of background. Walt Whitman was an American poet who lived from 1819 to 1892. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential poets in American history, and his work has had a lasting impact on the literary world. Whitman's poetry is known for its celebration of the human spirit, its love of nature, and its exploration of social and political issues.
"France, The 18th Year Of These States" was written in 1871, during a time of great political upheaval both in France and in the United States. In France, the country was recovering from the Franco-Prussian War, which had ended the previous year. In the United States, the country was still dealing with the aftermath of the Civil War, which had ended just six years earlier. The poem reflects Whitman's feelings about these events, and his hopes for the future.
Themes
One of the key themes of "France, The 18th Year Of These States" is the idea of freedom. Whitman writes about France as a place where "the land of the velvet glove and iron hand" is "still the land of the free." He celebrates the French people for their resistance against tyranny and for their commitment to liberty. This theme of freedom is one that runs throughout Whitman's work, and it is one that he felt strongly about.
Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of unity. Whitman writes about how the French and American people are united by their common struggles and by their shared values. He writes, "We too take ship, O soul, / Joyous we too launch out on trackless seas, / Fearless for unknown shores, on waves of ecstasy to sail, / Amid the wafting winds, (thou pressing me to thee, I thee to me, O soul,) / Caroling free, singing our song of God, / Chanting our chant of pleasant exploration." This passage speaks to the idea of unity and camaraderie, and it shows Whitman's belief in the power of people coming together.
Structure
Whitman's writing style is also something that sets him apart from other poets of his time. He is known for his use of free verse, which allows him to write in a more conversational style. "France, The 18th Year Of These States" is no exception. The poem has no clear structure or rhyme scheme, and it is made up of a series of loosely connected thoughts and observations.
This style of writing can be challenging for some readers, but it is also what makes Whitman's work so unique. By breaking free from the constraints of traditional poetry, he was able to create a new form of expression that allowed him to explore a wide range of themes and ideas.
Interpretation
So, what does "France, The 18th Year Of These States" mean? There are many different ways to interpret the poem, but one common interpretation is that it is a celebration of freedom and democracy. Whitman clearly felt a deep connection to France and to the French people, and he saw their struggle for freedom as a reflection of his own country's struggle for freedom.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a call to action. Whitman was a passionate advocate for social justice, and he used his poetry to inspire others to join him in his fight for equality. In "France, The 18th Year Of These States," he encourages his readers to take action and to fight for what they believe in.
Literary Criticism
From a literary perspective, "France, The 18th Year Of These States" is a masterful work of poetry. Whitman's use of free verse and his ability to create vivid imagery with his words make the poem stand out. His celebration of freedom and unity is both inspiring and thought-provoking, and his call to action is as relevant today as it was when the poem was written.
However, some critics have found fault with Whitman's writing style. They argue that his lack of structure and rhyme makes his poetry difficult to read and understand. Others have criticized his use of repetition and his tendency to ramble.
Despite these criticisms, Whitman remains one of the most important poets in American history. His work continues to inspire readers today, and his impact on the literary world cannot be overstated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "France, The 18th Year Of These States" is a classic piece of poetry that speaks to the enduring themes of freedom, unity, and social justice. Whitman's unique writing style and his ability to create vivid imagery with his words make the poem stand out, and his message is as relevant today as it was when the poem was written. Whether you are a lover of poetry or a casual reader, "France, The 18th Year Of These States" is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry France, The 18th Year Of These States: A Masterpiece of Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman, the father of free verse, is known for his unique style of poetry that breaks away from traditional forms and structures. His poem, Poetry France, The 18th Year Of These States, is a masterpiece that showcases his mastery of language and his ability to capture the essence of a moment in time.
The poem was written in 1871, during a time of great political and social upheaval in France. The country was recovering from the Franco-Prussian War, which had ended in defeat for France. The poem captures the mood of the time, with its themes of revolution, freedom, and the power of the human spirit.
The poem begins with the line, "A great year and place," setting the tone for what is to come. Whitman is referring to France in the year 1871, a time when the country was undergoing a transformation. The people of France were fighting for their freedom and their rights, and Whitman captures this spirit of revolution in his poem.
Whitman goes on to describe the people of France, saying, "The people of France have arisen, they are the new heroic race." He is praising the French people for their courage and their determination to fight for what they believe in. He sees them as a new breed of heroes, who are willing to sacrifice everything for their cause.
The poem then takes a more personal turn, as Whitman describes his own feelings about France. He says, "I too am of France, am a Parisian." He is identifying with the people of France, and sees himself as one of them. He is not just an observer, but a participant in the struggle for freedom and justice.
Whitman then turns his attention to the power of poetry, saying, "Poets to come! orators, singers, musicians to come!" He is calling on future generations to continue the fight for freedom and justice, using the power of words and music to inspire and motivate people. He sees poetry as a powerful tool for change, and believes that it can help to bring about a better world.
The poem ends with the line, "Liberty, equality, fraternity." These are the three principles of the French Revolution, and they are still relevant today. Whitman is reminding us that the struggle for freedom and justice is ongoing, and that we must continue to fight for these principles.
In conclusion, Poetry France, The 18th Year Of These States is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the spirit of revolution and the power of the human spirit. Whitman's use of language is masterful, and his ability to capture the essence of a moment in time is unparalleled. The poem is a reminder that the struggle for freedom and justice is ongoing, and that we must continue to fight for these principles.
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