'To Oratists' by Walt Whitman
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TO ORATISTS--to male or female,
Vocalism, measure, concentration, determination, and the divine power
to use words.
Are you full-lung'd and limber-lipp'd from long trial? from vigorous
practice? from physique?
Do you move in these broad lands as broad as they?
Come duly to the divine power to use words?
For only at last, after many years--after chastity, friendship,
procreation, prudence, and nakedness;
After treading ground and breasting river and lake;
After a loosen'd throat--after absorbing eras, temperaments, races--
after knowledge, freedom, crimes;
After complete faith--after clarifyings, elevations, and removing
obstructions;
After these, and more, it is just possible there comes to a man, a
woman, the divine power to use words.10
Then toward that man or that woman, swiftly hasten all--None refuse,
all attend;
Armies, ships, antiquities, the dead, libraries, paintings, machines,
cities, hate, despair, amity, pain, theft, murder, aspiration,
form in close ranks;
They debouch as they are wanted to march obediently through the mouth
of that man, or that woman.
.... O I see arise orators fit for inland America;
And I see it is as slow to become an orator as to become a man;
And I see that all power is folded in a great vocalism.
Of a great vocalism, the merciless light thereof shall pour, and the
storm rage,
Every flash shall be a revelation, an insult,
The glaring flame on depths, on heights, on suns, on stars,
On the interior and exterior of man or woman,20
On the laws of Nature--on passive materials,
On what you called death--(and what to you therefore was death,
As far as there can be death.)
Editor 1 Interpretation
Exploring the Depths of To Oratists by Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman is a name that needs no introduction in the world of poetry. He is often considered the father of free verse and his contributions to American literature have been immense. Among his many works, To Oratists stands out as a masterpiece that astounds with its depth, complexity, and beauty.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the intricacies of To Oratists and attempt to explore the many layers of meaning that Whitman has embedded within this poem.
Introduction to To Oratists
To Oratists is a poem that was published in the 1860 edition of Leaves of Grass. It is a part of a larger collection of poems that reflect Whitman's views on the American identity and his belief in the power of democracy.
The poem is addressed to orators, who are described as "the most important persons on earth" in the opening lines. Whitman praises them for their ability to speak truthfully and eloquently, and for their power to inspire and move people.
He also acknowledges the challenges that orators face in their work, and the sacrifices that they must make in order to do their job well. However, he encourages them to persevere, reminding them of the importance of their work in shaping the future of the world.
A Closer Look at the Language Used in To Oratists
One of the most striking aspects of To Oratists is the language that Whitman uses. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not adhere to a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This gives the poem a natural, conversational tone that makes it feel like Whitman is speaking directly to the reader.
The language itself is also powerful and evocative. Whitman uses vivid imagery to describe the orators and their work, and his use of repetition and parallelism gives the poem a rhythmic quality that makes it easy to read and remember.
For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Whitman writes:
Oratists, years, centuries hence!
We see you,
As amid the ranks, the leagues athletic,
The husky brawn’d fighters, standing…
Here, Whitman uses repetition to emphasize the importance of the orators, and to create a sense of urgency. By repeating the word "We see you," he is telling the orators that their work is not going unnoticed, and that it will have a lasting impact on the world.
He also uses vivid imagery to describe the orators as "husky brawn’d fighters," which suggests that their work is physically and emotionally demanding. This creates a sense of respect and admiration for the orators, and emphasizes the sacrifices that they must make in order to do their job well.
Themes and Interpretations of To Oratists
To Oratists is a poem that touches on a number of themes, including the power of language, the importance of democracy, and the role of the individual in society.
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the power of language. Whitman clearly believes that words have the power to shape the world, and he sees the orators as the people who are responsible for doing so. He writes:
For the great Idea,
That, O my brethren, that is the mission of poets.
Oratists, to enroll themselves and arise to that mission.
Here, Whitman is suggesting that the orators have a responsibility to use their words to promote the "great Idea," which is likely a reference to democracy or some other ideal that Whitman believed in. By calling on the orators to "enroll themselves and arise to that mission," he is encouraging them to take up this responsibility and use their words to make the world a better place.
Another theme that is present in the poem is the importance of democracy. Whitman was a strong believer in the power of democracy, and he believed that it was the best way to ensure that everyone had an equal chance to succeed. He writes:
To fill the seats of presidents and generals,
To inspire such as themselves with the Western spirit, the germs of the
sturdy plants
To earn for the democracy trust, south, east, north, west,
To prepare for a settlement, rich, and ample.
Here, Whitman is suggesting that the orators have a role to play in promoting democracy and ensuring that it is successful. He believes that they can inspire others with the "Western spirit" and help to create a settlement that is "rich and ample." This suggests that Whitman saw democracy as a vital element of American society, and that he believed that the orators had a key role to play in promoting it.
Finally, the poem touches on the role of the individual in society. Whitman was a strong believer in the power of the individual, and he believed that everyone had the ability to make a difference in the world. He writes:
For the great Idea,
That, O my brethren, that is the mission of poets.
Oratists, to enroll themselves and arise to that mission.
Here, Whitman is suggesting that the orators have a responsibility to use their talents to promote the "great Idea." By doing so, they can make a difference in the world and help to shape the future. This suggests that Whitman believed that everyone had the ability to make a difference in the world, and that it was up to individuals to use their talents to do so.
Conclusion
In conclusion, To Oratists is a poem that is rich in meaning and full of powerful language. Whitman's use of repetition, vivid imagery, and free verse creates a poem that is both easy to read and deeply moving.
The themes that are present in the poem, including the power of language, the importance of democracy, and the role of the individual in society, make it a poem that is still relevant today. It is a reminder of the power that our words have to shape the world, and of the responsibility that we all have to use our talents to make a difference.
Overall, To Oratists is a masterpiece of American literature, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire, move, and change the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To Oratists: An Ode to the Power of Speech
Walt Whitman, the renowned American poet, wrote a powerful piece titled "Poetry To Oratists" that celebrates the art of public speaking. In this poem, Whitman praises the orator's ability to move and inspire people through the power of speech. He argues that oratory is just as important as poetry, and that both forms of expression have the ability to change the world.
The poem begins with a call to action, urging orators to rise up and use their voices to make a difference in the world. Whitman writes, "Come forth, sweet democratic despots of the West! / Prepare for your enemies, exulting in their triumphs!" Here, he is addressing the orators of America, encouraging them to stand up against those who would seek to oppress them.
Whitman then goes on to describe the power of oratory, comparing it to the beauty of nature. He writes, "For you, the vistas spread in the sunlight - pavement, / broad as the sunlit street, / The snows and storms of winter-time, / And the sunsets washing all the cities of the West." Here, he is saying that oratory has the power to create beautiful and awe-inspiring images in the minds of those who hear it.
The poem then takes a more political turn, as Whitman addresses the issues of his time. He writes, "For you, the passionate protests of the Reformers, / The ringing word of the Free Soil Party, / The fierce denunciation of the Fugitive Slave Law." Here, he is referring to the political movements of the mid-19th century, including the abolitionist movement and the fight for free soil in the western territories.
Whitman then turns his attention to the power of poetry, arguing that it is just as important as oratory. He writes, "For you, the poet's voice, / The master's song or symphony, / The painter's brush, or the sculptor's chisel." Here, he is saying that poetry, like oratory, has the power to move and inspire people.
However, Whitman also acknowledges that poetry and oratory are different forms of expression. He writes, "Not for the sake of eloquence, / Not for the sake of poetry, / But for the sake of something far more important." Here, he is saying that both forms of expression are important, but they serve different purposes.
Whitman then returns to the theme of political activism, urging orators to use their voices to fight for justice. He writes, "For you, the voice of the people, / The voice of the masses, / The voice of the oppressed and the downtrodden." Here, he is saying that orators have a responsibility to speak out against injustice and to fight for the rights of the marginalized.
The poem ends with a call to action, as Whitman urges orators to use their voices to make a difference in the world. He writes, "Come forth, sweet democratic despots of the West! / Come forth, for you have a work to do!" Here, he is saying that orators have a duty to use their voices to create positive change in the world.
In conclusion, "Poetry To Oratists" is a powerful ode to the power of speech. Whitman celebrates the art of public speaking, arguing that oratory is just as important as poetry. He urges orators to use their voices to fight for justice and to make a difference in the world. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of words and the importance of using them to create positive change.
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