'A Boston Ballad, 1854' by Walt Whitman
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
TO get betimes in Boston town, I rose this morning early;
Here's a good place at the corner--I must stand and see the show.
Clear the way there, Jonathan!
Way for the President's marshal! Way for the government cannon!
Way for the Federal foot and dragoons--and the apparitions copiously
tumbling.
I love to look on the stars and stripes--I hope the fifes will play
Yankee Doodle.
How bright shine the cutlasses of the foremost troops!
Every man holds his revolver, marching stiff through Boston town.
A fog follows--antiques of the same come limping,
Some appear wooden-legged, and some appear bandaged and bloodless. 10
Why this is indeed a show! It has called the dead out of the earth!
The old grave-yards of the hills have hurried to see!
Phantoms! phantoms countless by flank and rear!
Cock'd hats of mothy mould! crutches made of mist!
Arms in slings! old men leaning on young men's shoulders!
What troubles you, Yankee phantoms? What is all this chattering of
bare gums?
Does the ague convulse your limbs? Do you mistake your crutches for
fire-locks, and level them?
If you blind your eyes with tears, you will not see the President's
marshal;
If you groan such groans, you might balk the government cannon.
For shame, old maniacs! Bring down those toss'd arms, and let your
white hair be;20
Here gape your great grand-sons--their wives gaze at them from the
windows,
See how well dress'd--see how orderly they conduct themselves.
Worse and worse! Can't you stand it? Are you retreating?
Is this hour with the living too dead for you?
Retreat then! Pell-mell!
To your graves! Back! back to the hills, old limpers!
I do not think you belong here, anyhow.
But there is one thing that belongs here--shall I tell you what it
is, gentlemen of Boston?
I will whisper it to the Mayor--he shall send a committee to England;
They shall get a grant from the Parliament, go with a cart to the
royal vault--haste!30
Dig out King George's coffin, unwrap him quick from the grave-
clothes, box up his bones for a journey;
Find a swift Yankee clipper--here is freight for you, black-bellied
clipper,
Up with your anchor! shake out your sails! steer straight toward
Boston bay.
Now call for the President's marshal again, bring out the government
cannon,
Fetch home the roarers from Congress, make another procession, guard
it with foot and dragoons.
This centre-piece for them:
Look! all orderly citizens--look from the windows, women!
The committee open the box, set up the regal ribs, glue those that
will not stay,
Clap the skull on top of the ribs, and clap a crown on top of the
skull.
You have got your revenge, old buster! The crown is come to its own,
and more than its own.
Stick your hands in your pockets, Jonathan--you are a made man from
this day;40
You are mighty cute--and here is one of your bargains.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Boston Ballad: A Masterpiece of Walt Whitman's Poetry
Walt Whitman's "A Boston Ballad" is a classic masterpiece of American poetry. First published in 1854, it is a vivid and powerful portrayal of life in mid-19th century America, with a focus on the bustling city of Boston.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this remarkable poem, and examine how it reflects the social and cultural context of its time.
Themes
At its core, "A Boston Ballad" is a poem about the contradictions and complexities of urban life in mid-19th century America. Whitman portrays a city that is both vibrant and chaotic, beautiful and ugly, full of promise and yet deeply flawed.
One of the central themes of the poem is the tension between individual freedom and social responsibility. Whitman celebrates the freedom and diversity of the city, but also acknowledges the dark side of urban life – the poverty, crime, and corruption that are the inevitable consequences of rapid social and economic change.
Another theme is the power of the individual imagination to transcend these limitations and create a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Whitman portrays the city as a place of endless possibility, where individuals can find inspiration and connection with others, even in the midst of chaos and despair.
Imagery
Whitman's imagery in "A Boston Ballad" is vivid and striking, capturing the sights, sounds, and smells of the city in all its complexity. He uses powerful sensory details to create a sense of immediacy and realism, drawing the reader into the world he has created.
One of the most powerful images in the poem is the phrase "the wharf-edge, iron, cold, the breath of the sea". This image captures the harsh, industrial landscape of the city's waterfront, with its iron structures and the relentless sound of the sea. It also suggests a sense of isolation and loneliness, as the speaker stands alone on the edge of the wharf, gazing out at the vast expanse of the ocean.
Whitman also uses imagery to convey the diversity and vitality of the city's inhabitants. He describes the "sauntering the pavement" of people from all walks of life, including sailors, merchants, immigrants, and prostitutes. He captures the energy and movement of the city through images of "hurrying, scattering, shifting" crowds, and the constant sound of "whirr and buzz" that fills the air.
Language
Whitman's language in "A Boston Ballad" is rich and evocative, full of poetic flourishes and unconventional syntax. He uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, drawing the reader along through the poem's twists and turns.
One of the most striking features of Whitman's language is his use of unconventional grammar and punctuation. He often eschews traditional rules of syntax, creating long, flowing sentences that capture the fluidity and complexity of urban life. He also uses dashes and ellipses to create pauses and breaks in the text, giving the reader space to reflect on the meaning of the words.
Another notable feature of Whitman's language is his use of free verse, which allows him to break free from the constraints of traditional poetic forms and create a more naturalistic, conversational style. This gives the poem a sense of immediacy and authenticity, as if the reader is overhearing a conversation between two people on the streets of Boston.
Interpretation
So what does "A Boston Ballad" mean, and why does it matter? As with any great work of literature, the poem can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the reader's own experiences and perspective. But here are a few possible interpretations:
A celebration of freedom and diversity
One way to read the poem is as a celebration of the freedom and diversity of urban life. Whitman portrays the city as a place of endless possibility, where individuals can find inspiration and connection with others, even in the midst of chaos and despair. He celebrates the variety of people and experiences that can be found in the city, and suggests that this diversity is what makes urban life so exciting and dynamic.
A critique of social and economic inequality
Another way to read the poem is as a critique of the social and economic inequalities that are inherent in urban life. Whitman acknowledges the poverty, crime, and corruption that are the inevitable consequences of rapid social and economic change, and suggests that these problems are deeply rooted in the structure of society itself. He presents the city as a place of both promise and disappointment, where individual freedom is constantly threatened by systemic injustice.
A meditation on the power of the imagination
Finally, "A Boston Ballad" can be read as a meditation on the power of the human imagination to transcend the limitations of social and economic reality. Whitman suggests that the individual imagination is a source of hope and inspiration, allowing people to find meaning and connection with others even in the midst of despair. He celebrates the ability of the human spirit to rise above the challenges of urban life, and suggests that this is what ultimately makes life worth living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Boston Ballad" is a remarkable poem that captures the contradictions and complexities of urban life in mid-19th century America. Through vivid imagery, rich language, and powerful themes, Whitman creates a portrait of a city that is both inspiring and troubling, full of possibility and yet deeply flawed. As we read and interpret this poem, we are reminded of the ongoing challenges and opportunities of urban life in our own time, and of the enduring power of poetry to help us make sense of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Walt Whitman's "A Boston Ballad, 1854" is a poem that captures the essence of the American spirit. The poem is a celebration of the working-class people of Boston, and it is a tribute to their resilience and strength. Whitman's use of language and imagery is powerful, and it creates a vivid picture of the city and its people.
The poem begins with a description of the city of Boston. Whitman paints a picture of a bustling city, full of life and energy. He describes the streets, the buildings, and the people who inhabit them. The language he uses is vivid and descriptive, and it creates a sense of movement and activity.
As the poem progresses, Whitman introduces us to the people of Boston. He describes the workers, the sailors, and the immigrants who make up the city's population. He celebrates their hard work and their determination to make a better life for themselves and their families. He also acknowledges the challenges they face, including poverty, discrimination, and the harsh realities of life in a rapidly changing city.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Whitman's use of repetition. He repeats certain phrases and words throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum. For example, he repeats the phrase "O Boston!" several times, emphasizing the importance of the city and its people. He also repeats the word "strong" several times, highlighting the resilience and strength of the working-class people of Boston.
Another powerful aspect of the poem is its use of imagery. Whitman uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of place and atmosphere. For example, he describes the "smoke and steam" rising from the factories and the "thick black clouds" that hang over the city. These images create a sense of industry and progress, but they also suggest the pollution and environmental degradation that come with industrialization.
Whitman also uses imagery to describe the people of Boston. He describes the "brawny and tan-faced" workers, the "swarthy" sailors, and the "dark-eyed" immigrants. These descriptions create a sense of diversity and multiculturalism, but they also suggest the challenges that come with living in a city with such a diverse population.
One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes towards the end, when Whitman describes a group of workers marching through the streets of Boston. He describes them as "a hundred and fifty thousand" strong, and he celebrates their unity and determination. He also acknowledges the challenges they face, including poverty and discrimination, but he suggests that their strength and resilience will help them overcome these obstacles.
Overall, "A Boston Ballad, 1854" is a powerful tribute to the working-class people of Boston. Whitman celebrates their strength, resilience, and determination, while also acknowledging the challenges they face. His use of language and imagery is powerful, and it creates a vivid picture of the city and its people. The poem is a testament to the American spirit, and it reminds us of the importance of hard work, unity, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Editor Recommended Sites
Six Sigma: Six Sigma best practice and tutorialsVideo Game Speedrun: Youtube videos of the most popular games being speed run
React Events Online: Meetups and local, and online event groups for react
Rules Engines: Business rules engines best practice. Discussions on clips, drools, rete algorith, datalog incremental processing
Sheet Music Videos: Youtube videos featuring playing sheet music, piano visualization
Recommended Similar Analysis
The Magi by William Butler Yeats analysisHoly Sonnet I: Tho Has Made Me by John Donne analysis
To The Virgins, To Make Much Of Time by Robert Herrick analysis
The Force That Through The Green Fuse Drives The Flower by Dylan Thomas analysis
He Wishes For The Cloths Of Heaven by William Butler Yeats analysis
Song Making by Sarah Teasdale analysis
We and They by Rudyard Kipling analysis
An Irish Airman Forsees His Death by William Butler Yeats analysis
Consolation by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
"'Tis Said, That Some Have Died For Love" by William Wordsworth analysis