'An Army Corps On The March' by Walt Whitman
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WITH its cloud of skirmishers in advance,
With now the sound of a single shot, snapping like a whip, and now an
irregular volley,
The swarming ranks press on and on, the dense brigades press on;
Glittering dimly, toiling under the sun--the dust-cover'd men,
In columns rise and fall to the undulations of the ground,
With artillery interspers'd--the wheels rumble, the horses sweat,
As the army corps advances.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"An Army Corps on the March" by Walt Whitman
Are you looking for a poem that captures the excitement, the movement, and the energy of an army on the march? Look no further than Walt Whitman's "An Army Corps on the March." This poem is a masterful depiction of the sights, sounds, and sensations of soldiers on the move. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, style, and imagery of this classic poem and reveal its enduring significance.
Themes
What are the themes of "An Army Corps on the March?" At its core, this poem is about movement and momentum. The soldiers in Whitman's poem are constantly on the move, marching forward towards an unknown destination. This sense of movement is mirrored in the poem's structure, which is a series of short, choppy lines that create a sense of urgency and restlessness.
Another theme of the poem is the idea of community and camaraderie. Whitman portrays the soldiers as a cohesive unit, moving and working together towards a common goal. This sense of unity is reinforced by the repeated use of the word "together" throughout the poem. Whitman celebrates the idea of individuals coming together to form something greater than themselves.
Finally, the poem is also about the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The soldiers in the poem are facing unknown dangers and challenges, but they are resolute and determined. Whitman's poem celebrates the resilience and courage of the human spirit in the face of hardship.
Style
Whitman's style in "An Army Corps on the March" is distinctive and powerful. The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme scheme or consistent meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and improvisation, mirroring the movement and unpredictability of the soldiers on the march.
The poem is also characterized by its repetition and parallelism. Whitman frequently repeats phrases and ideas throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and cohesion. For example, the repeated use of the word "together" reinforces the idea of community and teamwork.
Another feature of Whitman's style in this poem is his use of vivid, sensory imagery. He describes the soldiers in detail, painting a picture of their uniforms, their weapons, and their movements. He also uses sound imagery, describing the "tramp of armies" and the "rolling sun" in a way that makes the poem feel almost cinematic.
Imagery
Whitman's use of imagery in "An Army Corps on the March" is nothing short of masterful. He uses vivid, sensory language to paint a picture of the soldiers and their surroundings. For example, he describes the soldiers as "brown-faced" and "red-shirted," giving us a sense of their physical appearance. He also describes their weapons, using words like "glistening" and "polished" to create a sense of their power and precision.
Whitman's imagery is not limited to the soldiers themselves. He also describes their surroundings in detail, using words like "dust of the roads" and "swaying mass" to create a sense of movement and chaos. He even describes the sun as "rolling" and the sky as "arching" to create a sense of the vastness of the landscape.
Perhaps the most powerful imagery in the poem is Whitman's repeated use of the word "marching." This simple verb captures the relentless forward motion of the soldiers, and creates a sense of momentum and energy that drives the poem forward.
Interpretation
What does "An Army Corps on the March" mean? At its core, this poem is a celebration of movement and unity. Whitman celebrates the power of individuals coming together to form something greater than themselves. He also celebrates the resilience and courage of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The poem can also be seen as a commentary on the nature of war itself. Whitman portrays the soldiers as powerful and heroic, but also as vulnerable and human. He does not shy away from the harsh realities of war, but instead celebrates the soldiers' bravery in the face of danger.
Finally, the poem can be seen as a celebration of the American spirit. Whitman was a patriotic poet, and his portrayal of the soldiers in this poem can be seen as a celebration of the American military and its values. The poem celebrates the bravery, resilience, and determination of the soldiers, and by extension, of the American people as a whole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "An Army Corps on the March" is a powerful and timeless poem that captures the excitement and energy of soldiers on the move. Whitman's vivid imagery and distinctive style create a sense of movement and momentum that propels the poem forward. The poem celebrates the power of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the bravery of American soldiers. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire, move, and unite people across time and place.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Walt Whitman's "An Army Corps on the March" is a classic poem that captures the essence of the American Civil War. The poem is a vivid portrayal of the soldiers' journey, their struggles, and their determination to fight for their country. Whitman's use of imagery, symbolism, and language creates a powerful and emotional poem that resonates with readers even today.
The poem begins with a description of the army corps on the march. Whitman paints a picture of the soldiers marching in unison, with their flags waving proudly in the wind. The soldiers are described as "marching with sturdy limbs and brown faces," which gives the reader a sense of their strength and resilience. The use of the word "brown" also suggests that the soldiers are of different races, which highlights the diversity of the army.
Whitman's use of imagery is particularly effective in this poem. He describes the soldiers as "swarming like bees," which creates a sense of movement and energy. The soldiers are also described as "a serpent column," which suggests that they are moving with purpose and determination. The use of animal imagery is also significant, as it suggests that the soldiers are part of a larger organism, working together towards a common goal.
The poem also contains several symbols that are significant in the context of the Civil War. The soldiers' flags are described as "flaunting and rustling in the wind," which suggests that they are a symbol of the soldiers' pride and determination. The flags are also described as "the emblem of man elate above death," which suggests that the soldiers are willing to die for their country. The use of the word "emblem" also suggests that the flags are a symbol of something larger than themselves, perhaps the ideals of freedom and democracy.
Whitman's use of language is also significant in this poem. He uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The phrase "Onward! to the fronts of the war!" is repeated several times throughout the poem, which creates a sense of urgency and determination. The use of exclamation marks also adds to the sense of excitement and energy in the poem.
The poem also contains several references to nature, which is significant in the context of the Civil War. The soldiers are described as "marching amid the trees," which suggests that they are part of the natural world. The use of the word "amid" also suggests that the soldiers are moving through the natural world, rather than conquering it. This is significant, as it suggests that the soldiers are fighting for something larger than themselves, perhaps the preservation of the natural world.
The poem also contains several references to death, which is significant in the context of the Civil War. The soldiers are described as "marching to die," which suggests that they are aware of the risks they are taking. The use of the word "die" also suggests that the soldiers are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. This is significant, as it suggests that the soldiers are motivated by a sense of duty and patriotism.
Overall, "An Army Corps on the March" is a powerful and emotional poem that captures the essence of the American Civil War. Whitman's use of imagery, symbolism, and language creates a vivid portrayal of the soldiers' journey, their struggles, and their determination to fight for their country. The poem is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Civil War, and it continues to resonate with readers even today.
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