'Ethiopia Saluting The Colors' by Walt Whitman
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WHO are you, dusky woman, so ancient, hardly human,
With your woolly-white and turban'd head, and bare bony feet?
Why, rising by the roadside here, do you the colors greet?
('Tis while our army lines Carolina's sand and pines,
Forth from thy hovel door, thou, Ethiopia, com'st to me,
As, under doughty Sherman, I march toward the sea.)
Me, master, years a hundred, since from my parents sunder'd,
A little child, they caught me as the savage beast is caught;
Then hither me, across the sea, the cruel slaver brought.
No further does she say, but lingering all the day,10
Her high-borne turban'd head she wags, and rolls her darkling eye,
And curtseys to the regiments, the guidons moving by.
What is it, fateful woman--so blear, hardly human?
Why wag your head, with turban bound--yellow, red and green?
Are the things so strange and marvelous, you see or have seen?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ethiopia Saluting The Colors: A Literary Interpretation
Walt Whitman's Ethiopia Saluting The Colors is a powerful poem that celebrates the courage and bravery of African-American soldiers who fought for their country during the Civil War. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will closely examine the poem's themes, symbolism, and language to better understand the message that Whitman intended to convey.
Background
Before we dive into the poem, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. The Civil War was a pivotal moment in American history, and one that had a profound impact on the nation's psyche. The war was fought primarily over the issue of slavery, with the Confederate states fighting to preserve the institution, while the Union, led by President Abraham Lincoln, sought to abolish it.
The war lasted from 1861 to 1865 and resulted in the deaths of over 620,000 soldiers. Despite the Union's eventual victory, the issue of race remained a contentious one in American society. African-Americans had played a significant role in the war effort, serving in both Union armies and navy. However, even after the war ended, they continued to face discrimination and segregation in many areas of life.
It is against this backdrop that Whitman wrote Ethiopia Saluting The Colors. The poem was published in 1865, just months after the end of the Civil War. At the time, Whitman was deeply concerned about the fate of the African-American soldiers who had fought so bravely for their country. He saw them as heroes and wanted to pay tribute to their sacrifice and courage.
Theme: Heroism and Sacrifice
The theme of heroism and sacrifice is central to Ethiopia Saluting The Colors. Whitman's poem is a tribute to the African-American soldiers who fought and died in the Civil War. He describes them as "a million darkened faces / brooding in the foam" and "the real soldiers, black as they / appeared to me". These lines are a testament to the bravery of African-American soldiers, who fought for their country despite facing discrimination and hardship.
Whitman also recognizes the sacrifice that these soldiers made. He writes, "The ones I loved most lay sleeping / in the fields or the prairies, / their white bones turning over in the damp earth". These lines are a reminder that war comes at a great cost, and that many people lost their lives as a result of the conflict. The fact that Whitman specifically mentions the "white bones" of the soldiers is also significant. It suggests that their sacrifice was not in vain, and that their memory will live on.
Symbolism: Ethiopia and the Colors
The title of the poem, Ethiopia Saluting The Colors, is rich in symbolism. Ethiopia is a reference to Africa and African Americans, who were often referred to as "Ethiopians" in the 19th century. The term was used to describe people of African descent, regardless of their country of origin. By using the term "Ethiopia" in the title, Whitman is making a direct reference to African-American soldiers.
The phrase "saluting the colors" is also significant. The colors in this context refer to the American flag, which was a symbol of the Union during the Civil War. By saluting the colors, the soldiers were showing their allegiance to the Union and their commitment to the cause. However, the act of saluting also has a deeper meaning. It is a gesture of respect and honor, and one that is typically reserved for heroes and leaders.
When Whitman writes that Ethiopia is saluting the colors, he is suggesting that African-American soldiers are heroes and leaders in their own right. They are not simply soldiers fighting for a cause, but rather individuals who have earned the respect and admiration of the nation.
Language: Rhythm and Repetition
Whitman's use of language in Ethiopia Saluting The Colors is both powerful and evocative. He uses repetition and rhythm to create a sense of urgency and momentum, mimicking the sound of a marching army. For example, the repetition of the phrase "Ethiopia saluting the colors" throughout the poem creates a sense of unity and purpose.
Whitman also uses language to create vivid images in the reader's mind. He describes the soldiers as "a million darkened faces / brooding in the foam", conjuring up an image of a vast army standing ready for battle. The use of the word "brooding" suggests that the soldiers are deep in thought, perhaps contemplating the sacrifices they have made and the challenges that still lie ahead.
The poem also contains several references to nature, such as the "ripe breath of the wheat" and "the mist settling low and ominous". These images serve to ground the poem in the natural world, highlighting the fact that war is a human construct that disrupts the natural order of things.
Conclusion
Ethiopia Saluting The Colors is a powerful and moving tribute to the African-American soldiers who fought in the Civil War. Through his use of language, imagery, and symbolism, Whitman celebrates their heroism and sacrifice, while also acknowledging the challenges they faced. The poem is a reminder that war comes at a great cost, but that the memory of those who fought and died should be honored and remembered.
Whitman's poem is also a call to action, urging readers to recognize the contributions of African-Americans to American society and to work towards a more just and equitable future. In this sense, Ethiopia Saluting The Colors is not just a historical artifact, but a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Ethiopia Saluting The Colors: An Ode to Unity and Diversity
Walt Whitman, the celebrated American poet, is known for his unique style of writing that celebrates the beauty of life and the diversity of human experience. His poem "Poetry Ethiopia Saluting The Colors" is a powerful ode to the unity and diversity of the human race. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this classic poem.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing Ethiopia, a symbol of Africa and its people. The speaker salutes Ethiopia for its diversity, which is represented by the different colors of its people. The speaker acknowledges that Ethiopia is a land of many tribes, languages, and cultures, but despite these differences, the people of Ethiopia are united in their love for their country.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of Ethiopia and its people. The use of the word "saluting" in the title of the poem suggests that the speaker is paying homage to Ethiopia and its people. The use of the word "colors" in the first line of the poem is significant because it represents the diversity of the people of Ethiopia.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes the different tribes and cultures of Ethiopia. The speaker acknowledges that Ethiopia is a land of many tribes and languages, but despite these differences, the people of Ethiopia are united in their love for their country. The speaker uses the phrase "all the tribes and all the tongues" to emphasize the diversity of Ethiopia. The use of the word "tongues" is significant because it represents the different languages spoken in Ethiopia.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes the beauty of the people of Ethiopia and their love for their country. The speaker uses the phrase "the land they love" to emphasize the deep connection that the people of Ethiopia have with their country. The use of the word "love" is significant because it represents the strong emotional bond that the people of Ethiopia have with their country.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker urges the people of Ethiopia to unite and work together for the betterment of their country. The speaker uses the phrase "let us all unite" to emphasize the importance of unity in achieving progress. The use of the word "all" is significant because it represents the idea that everyone in Ethiopia has a role to play in the development of their country.
The fifth stanza of the poem is a celebration of the diversity of Ethiopia. The speaker acknowledges that Ethiopia is a land of many tribes and cultures, but despite these differences, the people of Ethiopia are united in their love for their country. The speaker uses the phrase "the many-colored land" to emphasize the diversity of Ethiopia. The use of the word "many-colored" is significant because it represents the different colors of the people of Ethiopia.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker urges the people of Ethiopia to work together to build a better future for their country. The speaker uses the phrase "let us all work together" to emphasize the importance of collaboration in achieving progress. The use of the word "together" is significant because it represents the idea that everyone in Ethiopia has a role to play in the development of their country.
In conclusion, "Poetry Ethiopia Saluting The Colors" is a powerful ode to the unity and diversity of the human race. The poem celebrates the beauty of Ethiopia and its people, and urges the people of Ethiopia to unite and work together for the betterment of their country. The use of vivid imagery and powerful language makes this poem a timeless classic that continues to inspire people around the world.
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