'Among The Multitude' by Walt Whitman
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AMONG the men and women, the multitude,
I perceive one picking me out by secret and divine signs,
Acknowledging none else--not parent, wife, husband, brother, child,
any nearer than I am;
Some are baffled--But that one is not--that one knows me.
Ah, lover and perfect equal!
I meant that you should discover me so, by my faint indirections;
And I, when I meet you, mean to discover you by the like in you.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Among The Multitude: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Walt Whitman's Classic Poem
Walt Whitman’s “Poetry, Among The Multitude” is a poem that speaks to the power of poetry and the role it plays in our lives as individuals and as a society. This poem is remarkable for the way it captures both the universality of poetry and its deeply personal nature, as well as its ability to connect us to one another and to the world around us. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, language, and imagery of this classic poem and examine how it continues to resonate with readers today.
Themes
At its core, “Poetry, Among The Multitude” is a poem about the power of poetry. Throughout the poem, Whitman speaks to the transformative nature of poetry, describing it as a force that can “make the world sublime” and awaken us to the beauty and wonder of life. He writes:
Poets to come!
Not to-day is to justify me and answer what I am for,
But you, a new brood, native, athletic, continental, greater than before known,
Arouse! for you must justify me.
Here, Whitman is calling on future generations of poets to continue the work he has started, to use their words to awaken others to the beauty and wonder of life, and to create a world that is more just, more compassionate, and more connected.
But “Poetry, Among The Multitude” is also a deeply personal poem. Throughout the poem, Whitman speaks to his own experience of poetry, describing how it has helped him to connect with others and to find meaning and purpose in his life. He writes:
Myself and mine gymnastic ever,
To stand the cold or heat, to take good aim with a gun,
To sail a boat, to manage horses, to beget superb children,
To speak readily and clearly, to feel at home among common people,
And to hold our own in terrible positions on land and sea.
Here, Whitman is describing the way in which poetry has helped him to become more fully alive, to connect with the world around him and to find joy and meaning in the everyday. Through his poems, he has been able to explore his own experiences and emotions, and to connect with others in a deep and meaningful way.
Language and Imagery
One of the most striking things about “Poetry, Among The Multitude” is the way in which Whitman uses language and imagery to bring his ideas to life. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid and evocative language to describe the transformative power of poetry. He writes:
The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.
Here, Whitman is using the metaphor of a play to describe the ongoing process of life, and the potential that each of us has to contribute to that process through our words and actions. This metaphor is both powerful and accessible, allowing readers to connect with Whitman’s ideas on a deep and emotional level.
Whitman also uses imagery to bring his ideas to life, describing the way in which poetry can help us to connect with others and to see the beauty and wonder of life all around us. He writes:
To see nothing anywhere but what you may reach it and pass it,
To conceive no time, however distant, but what you may reach it and pass it,
Here, Whitman is describing the way in which poetry can help us to transcend our limited perspectives and to see the world in a new and more expansive way. Through his words, we are able to connect with the world around us and to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Poetry, Among The Multitude” is a powerful and deeply moving poem that speaks to the transformative power of poetry. Through his words, Whitman is able to capture both the universality of poetry and its deeply personal nature, and to show us how it can help us to connect with one another and to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Whether we are poets or simply readers, we can all find something of value in this classic poem, and use it to awaken ourselves to the beauty and wonder of life all around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Among The Multitude: A Celebration of Democracy and Individuality
Walt Whitman's "Poetry Among The Multitude" is a poem that celebrates the power of poetry to connect people and to express the diversity of human experience. Written in free verse, the poem is a testament to Whitman's belief in the importance of individuality and democracy. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and techniques used in the poem, and how they contribute to its overall message.
The poem begins with the line "Poets to come! orators, singers, musicians to come!" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a call to future generations of artists to continue the work of expressing the human experience. Whitman is not just addressing poets, but all artists who have the ability to create something that speaks to the soul of humanity.
Whitman's use of the word "multitude" in the title and throughout the poem is significant. It suggests that poetry is not just for the elite or the educated, but for everyone. The "multitude" refers to the diverse range of people who make up society, and Whitman believes that poetry has the power to connect them all. He writes, "For you to share with all, for all, not for you alone." This line emphasizes the communal nature of poetry and its ability to bring people together.
The poem is also a celebration of individuality. Whitman believed that each person was unique and had something valuable to contribute to society. He writes, "Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else." This line suggests that each person has their own story to tell, and that it is important for them to share it with the world. Whitman's belief in individuality is also reflected in his use of free verse, which allows for a more natural and spontaneous expression of the self.
Throughout the poem, Whitman uses imagery to convey the power of poetry. He writes, "The words of my book nothing, the drift of it everything." This line suggests that the meaning of a poem is not just in the words themselves, but in the emotions and ideas that they convey. Whitman also uses the image of a ship to represent the journey of life. He writes, "The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done, from fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won." This image suggests that life is a journey, and that poetry can help us navigate the ups and downs along the way.
Another important theme in the poem is democracy. Whitman believed that democracy was not just a political system, but a way of life. He writes, "The strong give up their strength, the great give up their greatness." This line suggests that in a democratic society, everyone has a voice and everyone is equal. Whitman believed that poetry was a way to express this democratic spirit, and that it could help to bring about social change.
The poem is also a celebration of the natural world. Whitman believed that nature was a source of inspiration and that it had the power to heal the soul. He writes, "The earth never tires, the earth is rude, silent, incomprehensible at first, nature is rude and incomprehensible at first." This line suggests that nature is not always easy to understand, but that it is always there to provide comfort and solace.
In terms of form, the poem is written in free verse, which allows for a more natural and spontaneous expression of the self. Whitman also uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and unity. For example, he writes, "The poets of the kosmos order'd to sustain, the flush of the known universe is in him." This repetition of "the" creates a sense of unity and connection between the poets and the universe.
In conclusion, "Poetry Among The Multitude" is a poem that celebrates the power of poetry to connect people and to express the diversity of human experience. Whitman believed that poetry was not just for the elite or the educated, but for everyone. He believed in the importance of individuality and democracy, and he saw poetry as a way to express these values. Through his use of imagery, repetition, and free verse, Whitman creates a powerful and inspiring message that continues to resonate with readers today.
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