'Thoughts' by Walt Whitman


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OF ownership--As if one fit to own things could not at pleasure enter
upon all, and incorporate them into himself or herself.


Of waters, forests, hills;
Of the earth at large, whispering through medium of me;
Of vista--Suppose some sight in arriere, through the formative chaos,
presuming the growth, fulness, life, now attain'd on the
journey;
(But I see the road continued, and the journey ever continued;)
--Of what was once lacking on earth, and in due time has become
supplied--And of what will yet be supplied,
Because all I see and know, I believe to have purport in what will
yet be supplied.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Thoughts on Thoughts of Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman is one of the most celebrated poets of all time. His collection of poems, Leaves of Grass, is considered a masterpiece of American literature. One of the most notable works in the collection is the poem Thoughts, which is a reflection on the nature of thoughts and the human mind. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes and motifs of the poem, examine the structure and style, and explore the possible meanings and interpretations.

Background and Context

Walt Whitman was born in 1819 in Long Island, New York. He began writing poetry at a young age, and his work was heavily influenced by the Transcendentalist movement. Transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement that emphasized the individual's intuition, spiritual experience, and connection to nature. Whitman's poetry reflects these ideals, as he often writes about the human experience and the natural world.

Thoughts was first published in 1881 as part of the collection Leaves of Grass. The poem is not divided into stanzas but is instead a continuous stream of consciousness. The lack of traditional structure in the poem reflects Whitman's rejection of traditional poetic forms and his embrace of free verse.

Themes and Motifs

One of the main themes of Thoughts is the nature of thoughts and the human mind. Whitman explores the idea that thoughts are constantly flowing and changing, and that they are a product of the individual's experiences and environment. He also reflects on the idea that thoughts are connected to the body and the physical senses.

Another important motif in the poem is the connection between the individual and the natural world. Whitman frequently uses imagery of the natural world to describe the human experience. For example, he writes "O to have my life henceforth a poem of new joys" which compares life to a poem that is constantly evolving and changing, much like the natural world.

Whitman also reflects on the idea of death and the afterlife in Thoughts. He suggests that thoughts are eternal and that they continue on after the physical body has died. He writes "I will sleep no more but arise" which suggests that death is not the end, but rather a new beginning.

Structure and Style

As previously mentioned, Thoughts is written in free verse and does not have traditional stanzas. The poem is divided into sections, however, which are denoted by headings such as "Of the Terrible Doubt of Appearances" and "Of the Terrible Doubt of Time and Space". These headings serve to organize the poem and give structure to the otherwise free-flowing text.

Whitman's style in Thoughts is characterized by his use of repetition and parallelism. He frequently repeats words and phrases such as "thoughts", "appearances", and "time and space" which serve to reinforce the main themes of the poem. He also uses parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and balance in the text. For example, he writes "Of the progress of the souls of men and women along the grand roads of the universe, all other progress is the needed emblem and sustenance."

Interpretation

The meaning of Thoughts is open to interpretation, and there are a variety of possible readings of the poem. One possible interpretation is that Whitman is suggesting that thoughts are both a product of the individual's experiences and a reflection of the natural world. He writes "I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars" which suggests that everything in the natural world is connected and that human thoughts are a part of this interconnectedness.

Another possible interpretation is that Thoughts is a reflection on the nature of consciousness and the human mind. Whitman suggests that thoughts are constantly flowing and changing, and that they are connected to the physical body and the senses. He also suggests that thoughts are eternal and continue on after death, which could be interpreted as a reflection on the idea of the soul.

Overall, Thoughts is a complex and thought-provoking poem that reflects many of the core themes and motifs of Walt Whitman's work. The poem offers a unique perspective on the nature of thoughts and the human mind, and it is sure to inspire contemplation and reflection in anyone who reads it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Thoughts by Walt Whitman: A Celebration of Life and Nature

Walt Whitman, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, is known for his unique style of writing that celebrates life, nature, and the human experience. His collection of poems, Leaves of Grass, is considered a masterpiece of American literature and has inspired generations of poets and writers.

One of the most famous poems from Leaves of Grass is Poetry Thoughts, which is a celebration of the power of poetry and its ability to connect us with the world around us. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in Poetry Thoughts and how they contribute to the overall message of the poem.

Themes

At its core, Poetry Thoughts is a celebration of life and nature. Whitman believed that poetry had the power to connect us with the world around us and to help us understand our place in it. He saw poetry as a way to celebrate the beauty of life and to find meaning in the natural world.

Throughout the poem, Whitman uses imagery and language that evoke a sense of wonder and awe at the natural world. He describes the "mystical moist night-air" and the "perfume of my breath" as he walks through the fields, suggesting a deep connection between himself and the natural world.

Whitman also celebrates the power of poetry to connect us with other people. He writes, "I hear the whispering voices of the young men as they stand on the bridge and look down at the water," suggesting that poetry can help us understand the experiences of others and connect with them on a deeper level.

Imagery

Whitman's use of imagery in Poetry Thoughts is particularly striking. He uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of wonder and awe in the reader. For example, he writes, "I see the delicate filaments of the spider-web, / The little promontories and ridges / I see the sunken eyes of the dead."

These images are not only beautiful but also suggest a deeper meaning. The spider-web, for example, could be seen as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all things, while the sunken eyes of the dead suggest the impermanence of life.

Whitman also uses imagery to create a sense of movement and flow in the poem. He writes, "I hear the sound of the trumpet, / I see the marching of the armies, / I hear the distant beating of the drums." These images suggest a sense of energy and movement, as if the poem itself is alive and moving forward.

Language

Whitman's use of language in Poetry Thoughts is also noteworthy. He uses simple, direct language that is easy to understand, yet also powerful and evocative. For example, he writes, "I am the poet of the Body and I am the poet of the Soul, / The pleasures of heaven are with me and the pains of hell are with me."

This language is both poetic and accessible, allowing the reader to connect with the poem on a deeper level. Whitman also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. For example, he repeats the phrase "I hear" several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and connection between the different images and ideas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry Thoughts by Walt Whitman is a celebration of life, nature, and the power of poetry to connect us with the world around us. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Whitman creates a sense of wonder and awe in the reader, inviting us to see the world in a new and profound way.

The themes of the poem, including the interconnectedness of all things and the power of poetry to connect us with others, are still relevant today and continue to inspire readers and writers alike. Poetry Thoughts is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to help us find meaning and beauty in the world around us.

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