'When I Peruse The Conquer'd Fame' by Walt Whitman
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WHEN I peruse the conquer'd fame of heroes, and the victories of
mighty generals, I do not envy the generals,
Nor the President in his Presidency, nor the rich in his great house;
But when I hear of the brotherhood of lovers, how it was with them,
How through life, through dangers, odium, unchanging, long and long,
Through youth, and through middle and old age, how unfaltering, how
affectionate and faithful they were,
Then I am pensive--I hastily walk away, fill'd with the bitterest
envy.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"When I Peruse The Conquer'd Fame" by Walt Whitman: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were looking at a masterpiece, a work of art that could never be replicated? That's the feeling I get every time I read Walt Whitman's "When I Peruse The Conquer'd Fame."
This poem is a beautiful tribute to the fearless warriors who fought and died for their country. It's a reminder that every great nation is built on the backs of brave soldiers who are willing to put their lives on the line for the greater good. Whitman celebrates these heroes and their deeds with a lyrical grace that's unmatched in American poetry.
So, what makes this poem so special? Let's take a closer look at its structure, language, and themes to find out.
Structure
The first thing that stands out about "When I Peruse The Conquer'd Fame" is its structure. Unlike many of Whitman's other poems, this one is written in quatrain stanzas with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a more formal, traditional feel than some of his other work, but it also allows him to create a sense of order and balance that's fitting for a poem about military conquest.
Each stanza begins with the same line, "When I peruse the conquer'd fame," which serves as a refrain that ties the poem together. This repetition emphasizes the theme of victory and the idea that the conquering of one's enemies is a defining moment in a nation's history. It also provides a sense of rhythm that propels the poem forward, like the steady beat of a drum.
Language
Whitman's language in this poem is both beautiful and powerful. He uses vivid imagery to bring to life the scenes of battle and the glory that follows. For example, in the first stanza, he writes:
When I peruse the conquer'd fame,
And see the flotilla of barges,
And armies marching in procession in the streets,
And the banners of the nations…
Here, Whitman paints a picture of victory that's almost cinematic in its scope. We can see the barges and the armies, hear the cheers of the crowds, and feel the energy of the moment. It's a celebration of human achievement that's both inspiring and humbling.
Throughout the poem, Whitman uses strong, evocative verbs to capture the essence of military conquest. He writes of "tramping armies," "charging squadrons," and "ranks of soldiers." These words convey a sense of power and energy that's at the heart of this poem.
Themes
At its core, "When I Peruse The Conquer'd Fame" is a poem about the glory of war and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. Whitman celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who lay down their lives for their country, and he recognizes the importance of military conquest in shaping the course of history.
But this poem is not a blind celebration of war. Whitman acknowledges the cost of victory and the pain and suffering that come with it. He writes of "mournful faces" and "tears of mothers," reminding us that every victory comes at a price.
In many ways, this poem is a meditation on the contradictions of human nature. We are capable of great feats of bravery and selflessness, but we are also capable of great cruelty and destruction. Whitman doesn't shy away from this complexity, but he also doesn't let it overshadow the beauty and wonder of human achievement.
Conclusion
In "When I Peruse The Conquer'd Fame," Walt Whitman has created a masterpiece of American poetry. With its powerful language, vivid imagery, and celebration of human triumph, this poem is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. It's a reminder that even in the darkest moments of history, there is still the possibility of victory and hope. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend that you do. You won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When I Peruse The Conquer'd Fame: A Masterpiece of Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman, the father of free verse, is known for his unconventional style of poetry that breaks away from the traditional forms of rhyme and meter. His poem, "When I Peruse The Conquer'd Fame," is a perfect example of his unique style and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on the past and the great conquerors of history. He imagines himself standing in the midst of their triumphs, surrounded by the spoils of war and the adulation of the masses. However, as he continues to reflect, he realizes that all of this fame and glory is fleeting and ultimately meaningless.
Whitman's use of language in this poem is particularly striking. He employs a series of rhetorical questions to drive home his point about the transience of fame. For example, he asks, "What is the pomp of worlds? What are men's shouts and clappings?" These questions force the reader to consider the true value of fame and the emptiness of the pursuit of power and glory.
The poem also contains a number of vivid images that help to convey the speaker's sense of disillusionment. For example, he describes the "dead soldiers' bones" and the "mouldering flags" that are left behind in the wake of conquest. These images serve as a reminder of the cost of war and the toll that it takes on both the victors and the vanquished.
Despite the bleakness of the poem's message, there is a sense of hope and optimism that runs throughout. The speaker acknowledges the impermanence of fame and power, but he also recognizes the enduring value of love and human connection. He concludes the poem by declaring that "the real war will never get in the books," suggesting that the true victories in life are not those that are won on the battlefield, but rather those that are won through acts of kindness and compassion.
Overall, "When I Peruse The Conquer'd Fame" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges the reader to consider the true nature of fame and the importance of human connection. Whitman's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his message is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply someone who appreciates great writing, this poem is definitely worth a read.
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