'Behold This Swarthy Face' by Walt Whitman
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BEHOLD this swarthy face--these gray eyes,
This beard--the white wool, unclipt upon my neck,
My brown hands, and the silent manner of me, without charm;
Yet comes one, a Manhattanese, and ever at parting, kisses me lightly
on the lips with robust love,
And I, on the crossing of the street, or on the ship's deck, give a
kiss in return;
We observe that salute of American comrades, land and sea,
We are those two natural and nonchalant persons.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Behold This Swarthy Face: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Walt Whitman's "Behold This Swarthy Face" is a moving poem that celebrates the diversity of the American people. Whitman's poetry often addresses issues of identity and personal freedom, and this poem is no exception. In this poem, Whitman uses vivid imagery and language to convey the beauty of the "swarthy faces" of the American people.
Historical Context
Whitman wrote this poem in the 1850s, a time when the United States was still grappling with issues of slavery and racial inequality. Whitman was a vocal supporter of abolition and worked as a volunteer nurse during the Civil War. His poetry often reflects his belief in the equality of all people and his desire for a more just and inclusive society.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the reader directly, asking them to "behold" his "swarthy face." The repetition of the word "behold" creates a sense of urgency and importance, as if the speaker is demanding the reader's attention. The use of the word "swarthy" is also significant, as it is a word that is often used to describe dark-skinned people. By using this word to describe himself, the speaker is aligning himself with people who are often marginalized and oppressed.
The second stanza of the poem describes the speaker's face in more detail. Whitman uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of a face that is weathered and worn, but still full of life and vitality. The speaker's face is described as "rugged" and "scarred," but also as "sunburnt" and "healthy." This contrast between the harshness of the speaker's life and the beauty of his character is a recurring theme in Whitman's poetry.
The third stanza of the poem shifts the focus from the speaker's face to the faces of the people around him. The speaker describes the "swarthy faces" of the American people, and celebrates their diversity and strength. He describes the faces of the "Negroes" and the "mulattos," as well as the faces of the "Spaniards," the "Italians," and the "Greeks." By including a wide range of cultures and ethnicities, the speaker is emphasizing the inclusiveness of American society.
In the fourth stanza, the speaker declares that his "face is for those who love it." This statement is a bold assertion of the speaker's individuality and self-worth. He is not asking for anyone's approval or acceptance, but simply stating that his face is his own, and that he is proud of it. This assertion of personal freedom and autonomy is a recurring theme in Whitman's poetry.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker urges the reader to "rise up" and join him in celebrating the diversity and strength of the American people. He calls on the reader to "be not ashamed" of their own face, but to embrace it and to be proud of who they are. This final stanza is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and acceptance, and of the need to stand up for what is right in the face of adversity.
Interpretation
At its core, "Behold This Swarthy Face" is a poem about identity and personal freedom. Whitman is celebrating the diversity of the American people and calling for a more inclusive and just society. By using the word "swarthy" to describe himself and other dark-skinned people, Whitman is aligning himself with those who are often marginalized and oppressed. He is asserting his own individuality and self-worth, and calling on others to do the same.
The poem can also be interpreted as a call to action. Whitman is urging the reader to rise up and join him in celebrating the diversity and strength of the American people. He is calling on the reader to be proud of their own face and to stand up for what is right in the face of adversity. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and acceptance, and of the need for a more just and inclusive society.
Conclusion
"Behold This Swarthy Face" is a beautiful and moving poem that celebrates the diversity and strength of the American people. Whitman's use of vivid imagery and language creates a powerful sense of urgency and importance, and his message of self-love and acceptance is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written. This poem is a reminder of the power of poetry to inspire and uplift, and of the importance of standing up for what is right in the face of adversity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Behold This Swarthy Face: A Celebration of Diversity and Equality
Walt Whitman, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, was known for his unique style of writing that celebrated the beauty of nature, the human body, and the diversity of people. His poem, Behold This Swarthy Face, is a perfect example of his love for diversity and equality.
The poem was first published in 1860 in the third edition of Leaves of Grass, a collection of poems that Whitman continued to revise and expand throughout his life. Behold This Swarthy Face is a short poem, consisting of only six lines, but it packs a powerful message about the beauty of diversity.
Behold, this swarthy face, these gray eyes, This beard, the white wool unclipt upon my neck, My brown hands and the silent manner of me without charm; Yet comes one a Manhattanese and ever at parting kisses me lightly on the lips with robust love, And I on the crossing of the street or on the ship's deck give a kiss in return, We observe that salute of American comrades land and sea, We are those two natural and nonchalant persons.
The poem begins with the speaker inviting the reader to look at his swarthy face, gray eyes, and unclipped white wool on his neck. He then describes his brown hands and his silent manner, without any charm. The speaker is essentially describing himself as an ordinary person, without any extraordinary qualities or features.
However, the poem takes a turn when the speaker talks about a Manhattanese person who kisses him lightly on the lips with robust love. The speaker then reciprocates the kiss when they cross the street or are on the ship's deck. The two people are described as natural and nonchalant, observing the salute of American comrades on land and sea.
The poem is a celebration of diversity and equality, as it shows two people from different backgrounds and races showing affection towards each other without any hesitation or prejudice. The speaker's swarthy face and brown hands represent his ethnicity, while the Manhattanese person represents a different race or background.
Whitman's poem challenges the societal norms of his time, where people were judged based on their race, ethnicity, and social status. The poem shows that love and affection can transcend these barriers and that people can connect with each other on a deeper level, regardless of their differences.
The poem also highlights the beauty of physical diversity, as the speaker describes his swarthy face and gray eyes. Whitman was known for his celebration of the human body, and this poem is no exception. The speaker's unclipped white wool on his neck and his brown hands are also unique physical features that add to his character.
The use of the word "swarthy" is also significant, as it is a term used to describe someone with dark skin. Whitman's use of this word shows his appreciation for people of color and their unique beauty. The poem challenges the societal norms of his time, where people of color were often discriminated against and treated as inferior.
The poem's message is still relevant today, as society continues to struggle with issues of diversity and equality. Whitman's poem shows that love and affection can transcend these barriers and that people can connect with each other on a deeper level, regardless of their differences.
In conclusion, Behold This Swarthy Face is a powerful poem that celebrates diversity and equality. Whitman's use of language and imagery highlights the beauty of physical diversity and challenges societal norms of his time. The poem's message is still relevant today, as society continues to struggle with issues of diversity and equality. Whitman's poem is a reminder that love and affection can transcend these barriers and that people can connect with each other on a deeper level, regardless of their differences.
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