'Spirit Whose Work Is Done' by Walt Whitman
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SPIRIT whose work is done! spirit of dreadful hours!
Ere, departing, fade from my eyes your forests of bayonets;
Spirit of gloomiest fears and doubts, (yet onward ever unfaltering
pressing;)
Spirit of many a solemn day, and many a savage scene! Electric
spirit!
That with muttering voice, through the war now closed, like a
tireless phantom flitted,
Rousing the land with breath of flame, while you beat and beat the
drum;
--Now, as the sound of the drum, hollow and harsh to the last,
reverberates round me;
As your ranks, your immortal ranks, return, return from the battles;
While the muskets of the young men yet lean over their shoulders;10
While I look on the bayonets bristling over their shoulders;
While those slanted bayonets, whole forests of them, appearing in the
distance, approach and pass on, returning homeward,
Moving with steady motion, swaying to and fro, to the right and left,
Evenly, lightly rising and falling, as the steps keep time;
--Spirit of hours I knew, all hectic red one day, but pale as death
next day;
Touch my mouth, ere you depart--press my lips close!
Leave me your pulses of rage! bequeath them to me! fill me with
currents convulsive!
Let them scorch and blister out of my chants, when you are gone;
Let them identify you to the future, in these songs.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Walt Whitman's "Spirit Whose Work Is Done": A Masterpiece of Elegy and Celebration
Walt Whitman's "Spirit Whose Work Is Done" is a poem of extraordinary power and beauty. It is an elegy, a celebration, and a meditation on the nature of life and death, and the relationship between the individual and the universe.
Background and Context
The poem was published in the 1860 edition of "Leaves of Grass," Whitman's groundbreaking collection of poems that challenged traditional poetic forms and conventions. "Leaves of Grass" was a radical departure from the prevailing poetic styles of the time, and marked a turning point in the history of American literature.
Whitman's poetry was characterized by its expansive vision, its celebration of nature and the senses, and its democratic ethos. He believed that poetry should be accessible to everyone, and that it should reflect the experiences and emotions of ordinary people.
"Spirit Whose Work Is Done" is one of Whitman's most powerful and moving poems. It is a tribute to a beloved friend and fellow poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, who had recently died. Emerson was a towering figure in American letters, and a mentor and inspiration to Whitman. In this poem, Whitman pays tribute to Emerson's life and work, and reflects on the meaning of his passing.
Analysis and Interpretation
The poem begins with an invocation to the "spirit whose work is done." The language is grand and sweeping, as if Whitman is addressing a cosmic force rather than a mortal man. He speaks of the "mighty master" who has "closed his eyes," and who has "fulfilled his task."
Whitman then turns to the natural world, invoking images of the sun, the stars, and the sea. He speaks of the "waves rolling up to the shore," and the "great ocean itself." The language is ecstatic and exuberant, as if Whitman is caught up in the sheer joy of being alive.
As the poem progresses, however, a note of sadness and loss creeps in. Whitman speaks of the "sorrow and tears" that accompany death, and the "silence" that follows. He acknowledges the pain and grief that come with the loss of a loved one, and the sense of emptiness that can follow.
But even in the midst of this sadness, Whitman finds a note of hope and renewal. He speaks of the "new birth" that follows death, and the "eternal life" that awaits us all. The language is mystical and transcendent, as if Whitman is glimpsing the mysteries of the universe itself.
In the final stanza of the poem, Whitman turns back to Emerson, and speaks directly to him. He invokes images of the "air and sea," and the "winds and waves." He speaks of the "joyous sun" and the "open sky." The language is celebratory and joyful, as if Whitman is rejoicing in the memory of his friend's life and work.
Themes and Motifs
"Spirit Whose Work Is Done" is a poem that touches on a number of key themes and motifs. At its core, it is an elegy, a tribute to a beloved friend and mentor who has passed away. But it is also a celebration of life, a meditation on the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and a reflection on the mysteries of death and the afterlife.
Throughout the poem, Whitman employs a number of recurring motifs that are characteristic of his poetry. These include images of the sea, the stars, and the sun, as well as the themes of renewal and rebirth that are central to his vision of the world.
At the same time, the poem is marked by a sense of melancholy and loss. Whitman acknowledges the pain and sorrow that come with death, and recognizes the sense of emptiness that can follow. But even in the midst of this sadness, he finds hope and renewal, and celebrates the memory of his friend's life and work.
Conclusion
Walt Whitman's "Spirit Whose Work Is Done" is a masterpiece of elegy and celebration. It is a tribute to a beloved friend and mentor, and a meditation on the mysteries of life and death. Through its grand and sweeping language, its celebration of the natural world, and its vision of renewal and rebirth, the poem offers a profound reflection on the human experience. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the beauty and complexity of our world, and a tribute to the enduring legacy of one of America's greatest poets.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Spirit Whose Work Is Done: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman, the father of free verse, is one of the most celebrated poets of all time. His works are known for their unconventional style, bold themes, and profound insights into the human condition. One of his most famous poems, Poetry Spirit Whose Work Is Done, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its transformative power. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with an invocation to the spirit of poetry, who is addressed as "Poetry Spirit Whose Work Is Done." The speaker acknowledges the spirit's role in inspiring and guiding poets throughout history, and expresses gratitude for its presence. The use of the word "spirit" suggests a mystical, otherworldly force that transcends human understanding. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the nature of poetry and its relationship to the divine.
The second stanza continues the theme of gratitude, as the speaker thanks the poetry spirit for its "gifts of power and melody." The use of the word "gifts" implies that poetry is not something that can be learned or acquired through effort, but rather a natural talent that is bestowed upon certain individuals. The words "power" and "melody" suggest that poetry has both a visceral and emotional impact on the reader, as well as a musical quality that appeals to the senses.
The third stanza introduces the idea that poetry is a form of communication between the human and the divine. The speaker asks the poetry spirit to "tell the secret of the divine." This implies that poetry has the power to reveal hidden truths and mysteries that are beyond the reach of ordinary language. The use of the word "secret" suggests that there is a hidden knowledge or wisdom that can only be accessed through poetry.
The fourth stanza explores the idea that poetry is a form of transcendence, allowing the reader to escape the limitations of the physical world. The speaker asks the poetry spirit to "lift me up to the heavenly spheres." This suggests that poetry has the power to transport the reader to a higher plane of existence, where they can experience a sense of spiritual elevation and enlightenment. The use of the word "heavenly" implies that this transcendence is not just a physical or emotional experience, but a spiritual one.
The fifth stanza continues the theme of transcendence, as the speaker asks the poetry spirit to "let me float over the waters." This suggests that poetry has the power to dissolve the boundaries between the self and the world, allowing the reader to experience a sense of oneness with the universe. The use of the word "float" implies a sense of weightlessness and freedom, as if the reader is no longer bound by the constraints of their physical body.
The sixth stanza introduces the idea that poetry is a form of immortality, allowing the poet to live on through their words. The speaker asks the poetry spirit to "let me look upon the stars shining in their fields." This suggests that poetry has the power to transcend time and space, allowing the poet to connect with the eternal and the infinite. The use of the word "fields" implies a sense of vastness and expansiveness, as if the stars are part of a larger cosmic landscape.
The seventh and final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the speaker acknowledges the poetry spirit's role in inspiring and guiding poets throughout history. The speaker asks the spirit to "fold me in your embrace," suggesting a sense of intimacy and closeness. The use of the word "embrace" implies a sense of comfort and protection, as if the poetry spirit is a nurturing and supportive force. The final line, "For I am yours, and I am the poet of the soul," suggests that the speaker has become one with the poetry spirit, and that their identity as a poet is inseparable from their connection to the divine.
In terms of structure, the poem consists of seven stanzas, each with four lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, as well as a sense of progression as the poem moves from gratitude to transcendence to immortality. The use of repetition, particularly in the first and last lines of each stanza, creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that reinforces the poem's themes of power and melody.
In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of metaphor, personification, and imagery to convey its themes. The use of the poetry spirit as a metaphor for the transformative power of poetry creates a sense of mystery and wonder, as if poetry is a force that is beyond human comprehension. The personification of the poetry spirit as a nurturing and supportive force creates a sense of intimacy and closeness, as if the reader is being embraced by a loving parent. The use of imagery, particularly in the fifth and sixth stanzas, creates a sense of visual and sensory richness, as if the reader is experiencing the poem through multiple senses.
In conclusion, Poetry Spirit Whose Work Is Done is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of poetry and its transformative power. Through its use of metaphor, personification, and imagery, the poem explores the themes of gratitude, transcendence, and immortality, creating a sense of mystery and wonder that is both profound and inspiring. As a celebration of the power of poetry to connect us to the divine, this poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of Walt Whitman and his contribution to the world of literature.
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