'As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days' by Walt Whitman
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AS I walk these broad, majestic days of peace,
(For the war, the struggle of blood finish'd, wherein, O terrific
Ideal!
Against vast odds, having gloriously won,
Now thou stridest on--yet perhaps in time toward denser wars,
Perhaps to engage in time in still more dreadful contests, dangers,
Longer campaigns and crises, labors beyond all others;
--As I walk solitary, unattended,
Around me I hear that eclat of the world--politics, produce,
The announcements of recognized things--science,
The approved growth of cities, and the spread of inventions.10
I see the ships, (they will last a few years,)
The vast factories, with their foremen and workmen,
And here the indorsement of all, and do not object to it.
But I too announce solid things;
Science, ships, politics, cities, factories, are not nothing--I watch
them,
Like a grand procession, to music of distant bugles, pouring,
triumphantly moving--and grander heaving in sight;
They stand for realities--all is as it should be.
Then my realities;
What else is so real as mine?
Libertad, and the divine average--Freedom to every slave on the face
of the earth,20
The rapt promises and luminé of seers--the spiritual world--these
centuries lasting songs,
And our visions, the visions of poets, the most solid announcements
of any.
For we support all, fuse all,
After the rest is done and gone, we remain;
There is no final reliance but upon us;
Democracy rests finally upon us (I, my brethren, begin it,)
And our visions sweep through eternity.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry Analysis: Walt Whitman's "As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days"
Walt Whitman's "As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days" is a mesmerizing work of poetry that captures the essence of American life and its people. The poem's language is rich and evocative, allowing the reader to feel the presence of the poet's surroundings and the emotions that accompany them. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, language, and structure of the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.
Overview
"As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days" is one of the many poems from Whitman's seminal work, Leaves of Grass. It was published in 1856 and is considered a part of the early editions of the book. This poem, like many of Whitman's other works, is a celebration of the human experience and the beauty of nature. It is a reflection on the simple joys of life and the importance of living in the present moment.
Themes
Whitman's poem touches on several themes, including the beauty of nature, the importance of living in the present moment, and the unity of all things. The poet captures the essence of American life as he walks through the streets, observing the people and the world around him. He celebrates life in all its glory, acknowledging the struggles that come with it while embracing its beauty.
One of the main themes of the poem is the beauty of nature. Whitman's description of the sky, the clouds, and the sun is breathtaking, and his use of language evokes a sense of wonder and awe. He describes the "magnificent sun" and the "glorious stars" as if they are living beings, and he celebrates their presence in the sky. Whitman's love of nature is a recurring theme in his work, and it is evident in "As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days."
Another theme of the poem is the importance of living in the present moment. Whitman encourages the reader to "be here, now" and to embrace life in all its forms. He acknowledges the struggles and hardships that come with life but emphasizes the need to focus on the present and to find joy in the simple things. This theme is evident in lines such as "I do not ask any more delight / I swim in it as in a sea."
The unity of all things is another important theme in the poem. Whitman celebrates the interconnectedness of all things, acknowledging that everything is connected and that everything has a purpose. He observes the people and the world around him and sees the beauty in their diversity. He writes, "The same old role, the role that is what we make it, as great as we like."
Language
Whitman's use of language in "As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days" is masterful. His words are rich and evocative, and he uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and flow. He employs the use of free verse, which allows him to experiment with the form of the poem, creating a sense of freedom and spontaneity.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Whitman describes the sky and the natural world. He uses language that is almost mystical, describing the sun as a "magnificent lord" and the stars as "glorious attendants." He uses repetition to emphasize the beauty of the world, writing, "O the joy of a manly self-hood! / To be servile to none, to defer to none." The repetition of the phrase "to none" emphasizes the importance of individuality and the need to be true to oneself.
Whitman's language also highlights the unity of all things. He describes the people and the world around him with a sense of awe and wonder, acknowledging their diversity and their interconnectedness. He writes, "All nations, colors, barbarisms, civilizations, languages." This line emphasizes the diversity of the world and the importance of embracing it.
Structure
The structure of "As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days" is free verse, allowing Whitman to experiment with the form of the poem. He uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and flow, and he employs the use of enjambment to create a sense of spontaneity and freedom.
The poem is divided into three sections, each with its own tone and focus. The first section is a celebration of the natural world, with Whitman describing the sky, the sun, and the stars. The second section focuses on the people and the world around him, acknowledging their diversity and interconnectedness. The final section is a reflection on life and the importance of living in the present moment.
Conclusion
Walt Whitman's "As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days" is a masterpiece of American poetry. It captures the essence of American life and its people, celebrating the beauty of nature and the importance of living in the present moment. Whitman's use of language is rich and evocative, allowing the reader to feel the presence of the poet's surroundings and the emotions that accompany them. The poem's structure is free verse, giving Whitman the freedom to experiment with form and create a sense of spontaneity and freedom. Overall, "As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days" is a testament to the beauty of life and the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days: A Celebration of Life and Nature
Walt Whitman, the father of free verse poetry, is known for his celebration of life and nature in his works. One of his most famous poems, "As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days," is a perfect example of his style and philosophy. In this poem, Whitman takes us on a journey through his thoughts and emotions as he walks through the natural world, observing and appreciating its beauty and power. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used by Whitman in this poem, and how they contribute to its overall message.
The poem begins with the speaker walking through a "broad, majestic" landscape, surrounded by "the countless, unknown crowds of the dead." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the speaker's connection to the natural world and his awareness of the cycle of life and death. The use of the word "majestic" also suggests a sense of awe and wonder at the grandeur of nature, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
As the speaker continues his walk, he observes the various elements of nature around him, from the "rolling prairies" to the "rippling waters." He describes the "mighty forests" and the "tall, growing cities," highlighting the contrast between the natural and the man-made. This contrast serves to emphasize the power and beauty of nature, which is presented as a force that is both timeless and eternal.
The imagery used by Whitman in this poem is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of the natural world that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. He describes the "purple and gold" of the sunset, the "dazzling and tremendous" lightning, and the "delicious, singing" birds. These images are not only visually striking but also appeal to the other senses, creating a multisensory experience for the reader.
The language used by Whitman in this poem is also notable for its simplicity and directness. He uses short, declarative sentences and avoids complex syntax, which gives the poem a sense of immediacy and intimacy. This style of writing is characteristic of Whitman's free verse poetry, which is known for its conversational tone and lack of formal structure.
One of the key themes of this poem is the idea of interconnectedness. The speaker describes himself as "one of the crowd" and emphasizes his connection to the natural world and to all living things. He sees himself as part of a larger whole, and this sense of unity is reflected in the poem's structure, which is composed of a series of interconnected images and ideas.
Another important theme of the poem is the celebration of life. The speaker is filled with a sense of joy and wonder as he observes the natural world around him, and he expresses his gratitude for the gift of life. He describes the "exultant, buoyant, friendly" atmosphere of the world and the "glad, confident morning" that greets him each day. This celebration of life is a recurring theme in Whitman's poetry, and it reflects his belief in the inherent goodness of the world and the human experience.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, as the speaker is aware of the presence of the dead around him. However, rather than being morbid or depressing, this awareness serves to deepen his appreciation for life and the natural world. He sees death as a natural part of the cycle of life, and he is comforted by the knowledge that he is part of something larger and more enduring than his individual existence.
In conclusion, "As I Walk These Broad, Majestic Days" is a powerful celebration of life and nature, written in Whitman's characteristic free verse style. Through vivid imagery and simple, direct language, Whitman creates a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and power of the natural world. The themes of interconnectedness, celebration of life, and mortality are woven throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and continuity that is both comforting and inspiring. This poem is a testament to Whitman's belief in the inherent goodness of the world and the human experience, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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