'To The States' by Walt Whitman
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WHY reclining, interrogating? Why myself and all drowsing?
What deepening twilight! scum floating atop of the waters!
Who are they, as bats and night-dogs, askant in the Capitol?
What a filthy Presidentiad! (O south, your torrid suns! O north, your
arctic freezings!)
Are those really Congressmen? are those the great Judges? is that the
President?
Then I will sleep awhile yet--for I see that These States sleep, for
reasons;
(With gathering murk--with muttering thunder and lambent shoots, we
all duly awake,
South, north, east, west, inland and seaboard, we will surely awake.)
Editor 1 Interpretation
To the States: A Celebration of America
Walt Whitman's poem "To the States" is a magnificent celebration of America's diversity and unity. Published in 1860 in his collection Leaves of Grass, this poem captures the spirit of a nation on the brink of a great transformation. With its sweeping imagery and exuberant language, "To the States" invites the reader to join Whitman in his love for his country, its people, and its landscapes.
The Poem's Structure and Style
"To the States" is composed of 21 stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter. However, there is a pattern of repetition and variation that creates a sense of flow and rhythm. Many lines begin with the word "To," followed by the name of a state or region. This repetition emphasizes the poem's theme of inclusiveness and its celebration of America's diversity.
Whitman's language is rich and vivid, filled with sensory details and metaphorical flourishes. He often uses lists and accumulations, as in the following lines:
To the young man's coming of age when he falters
and feels it a long way to reach the predestined
height of his liberty,
To the singer's wherefore and whence when he asks
shall I sing?
To the answer: because you must and that's enough for us.
Here, Whitman evokes the struggles and aspirations of youth, the mysteries of creativity, and the power of community. His language is at once personal and universal, drawing the reader into his vision of America as a vibrant, evolving entity.
The Poem's Themes
At its core, "To the States" is a poem about belonging and identity. Whitman celebrates the diversity of America's regions and peoples, while also affirming their common bonds. He addresses the states as if they were individuals, recognizing their distinct histories and cultures. Yet he also sees them as parts of a larger whole, united by shared values and aspirations.
One of the poem's recurring themes is the idea of progress. Whitman celebrates America's technological achievements, such as the steamship and the railroad, as well as its cultural innovations, such as its literature and art. He sees America as a dynamic, forward-moving force, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Another theme is the idea of democracy. Whitman sees America as a place where all individuals have the opportunity to flourish and contribute to society. He celebrates the "roughs and beards and space and freshness" of America, its open landscapes and unbridled energy. He also recognizes the challenges and imperfections of democracy, as in the following lines:
To the States or any one of them, or any city of the States,
Resist much, obey little,
Once unquestioning obedience, once fully enslaved,
Once fully enslaved, no nation, state, city of this earth,
ever afterward resumes its liberty.
Here, Whitman warns against blind obedience and the dangers of tyranny. He recognizes that freedom is a fragile thing, requiring constant vigilance and resistance.
Interpretation and Evaluation
"To the States" is a remarkable poem, both for its exuberance and its depth. Whitman's language is at once joyous and serious, celebratory and reflective. His vision of America is expansive and inclusive, yet also nuanced and complex.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition and variation. By addressing each of the states in turn, Whitman creates a sense of unity and diversity that echoes America's own contradictions. He recognizes the distinctiveness of each state, yet also sees them as part of a larger whole.
Another strength of the poem is its use of metaphor and imagery. Whitman's language is rich and vivid, creating a powerful sensory experience for the reader. He uses metaphorical language to convey abstract ideas, such as the idea of progress or the nature of democracy.
Overall, "To the States" is a powerful celebration of America's diversity and unity. Whitman's vision of America as a dynamic, inclusive nation is as relevant today as it was in 1860. His language and imagery capture the spirit of a nation on the move, constantly evolving and transforming. As a literary work, "To the States" is a masterpiece of language and imagination, a testament to Whitman's genius as a poet and his love for his country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Whitman's poem "To the States" is a remarkable work of American literature. Its celebration of diversity and unity, its use of metaphor and imagery, and its exuberant language make it a classic of American poetry. As a reflection of Whitman's own experiences and beliefs, it offers a powerful vision of America as a nation of individuals bound together by shared values and aspirations. Its relevance to contemporary America is undeniable, as we continue to grapple with issues of identity, democracy, and progress. Ultimately, "To the States" is a celebration of America's potential, its promise, and its people.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To The States: A Celebration of America
Walt Whitman's "Poetry To The States" is a powerful and patriotic poem that celebrates the beauty and diversity of America. Written in 1860, just before the outbreak of the Civil War, the poem is a call to unity and a celebration of the American spirit. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of the poem, as well as its historical context and significance.
The poem begins with a bold declaration: "To the States or any one of them, or any city of the States, Resist much, obey little." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of individuality and diversity. Whitman is urging his fellow Americans to resist conformity and to embrace their unique identities. He is also calling for a rejection of authority and a willingness to question the status quo.
The next stanza of the poem is a celebration of the natural beauty of America. Whitman describes the "great sea" and the "mountains grand" that make up the landscape of the country. He also mentions the "prairies wide" and the "mighty rivers" that flow through the land. This imagery is meant to evoke a sense of awe and wonder at the vastness and majesty of America's natural beauty.
In the third stanza, Whitman turns his attention to the people of America. He describes them as "strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich." This description is meant to convey the idea that Americans are a diverse and resilient people, capable of overcoming any obstacle. Whitman also celebrates the diversity of America's people, saying that they come from "every land and every tongue." This is a nod to the fact that America is a nation of immigrants, and that its strength lies in its diversity.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to action. Whitman urges his fellow Americans to "rise up" and "assert their rights." He is calling for a rejection of tyranny and a commitment to freedom and democracy. This is particularly significant given the historical context in which the poem was written. The 1860s were a time of great political upheaval in America, with the country on the brink of civil war. Whitman's call to action is a reminder that the American people have the power to shape their own destiny.
The final stanza of the poem is a celebration of the power of poetry. Whitman writes, "Of all races and eras, some transcending, some to come, / To all, to each, a fair and impartial word." He is saying that poetry has the power to transcend time and space, and to speak to people of all races and eras. This is a powerful statement about the importance of literature and the arts in shaping our understanding of the world.
In conclusion, "Poetry To The States" is a powerful and patriotic poem that celebrates the beauty and diversity of America. Whitman's use of vivid imagery and bold language is meant to evoke a sense of awe and wonder at the natural beauty of the country, as well as the resilience and diversity of its people. The poem is also a call to action, urging Americans to resist tyranny and to embrace their individuality and freedom. Finally, the poem is a celebration of the power of poetry to transcend time and space, and to speak to people of all races and eras. Overall, "Poetry To The States" is a timeless tribute to the American spirit, and a reminder of the power of literature to inspire and unite us.
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