'Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City' by Walt Whitman
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ONCE I pass'd through a populous city, imprinting my brain, for
future use, with its shows, architecture, customs, and
traditions;
Yet now, of all that city, I remember only a woman I casually met
there, who detain'd me for love of me;
Day by day and night by night we were together,--All else has long
been forgotten by me;
I remember, I say, only that woman who passionately clung to me;
Again we wander--we love--we separate again;
Again she holds me by the hand--I must not go!
I see her close beside me, with silent lips, sad and tremulous.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City: A Celebration of Humanity by Walt Whitman
When it comes to poetry, Walt Whitman is one of the most celebrated and influential poets of all time. His works are known for their celebration of humanity, and his use of free verse style is often cited as a groundbreaking innovation in American poetry. In this article, we will take a closer look at one of his most famous poems, Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City, and explore its themes, literary devices, and interpretation.
The Poem
Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City was first published in Whitman's collection of poems, Leaves of Grass, in 1867. The poem is written in free verse style, with no regular rhyme or meter, and consists of 16 lines. Here is the full text of the poem:
Once I pass'd through a populous city imprinting my brain for future use with its shows, architecture, customs, traditions, Yet now of all that city I remember only a woman I casually met there who detain'd me for love of me, Day by day and night by night we were together—all else has long been forgotten by me, I remember I say only that woman who passionately clung to me, Again we wander, we love, we separate again, Again she holds me by the hand, I must not go, I see her close beside me with silent lips sad and tremulous.
Themes
The central theme of Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City is the celebration of human connection and the importance of personal relationships. The poem is a reflection on the transitory nature of life and the power of memory to preserve moments of joy and intimacy. Whitman uses the city as a backdrop to highlight the fleeting nature of material possessions and the enduring value of love and human connection.
Literary Devices
Whitman's use of free verse is one of the most notable literary devices in Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City. The absence of a regular rhyme or meter allows for a more natural and conversational style of writing, which reinforces the poem's theme of human connection.
Another key literary device in the poem is the use of repetition. The phrase "I remember" is repeated twice, emphasizing the importance of memory and its ability to preserve moments of intimacy and connection. The repetition of the phrase "Again we wander, we love, we separate again" reinforces the cyclical nature of human relationships and the inevitability of separation and loss.
Whitman also uses imagery to convey the transitory nature of material possessions. The "shows, architecture, customs, traditions" of the city are contrasted with the enduring memory of the woman who "passionately clung" to the speaker. The image of the woman holding the speaker's hand is repeated and emphasized, highlighting the power of human touch and physical intimacy.
Interpretation
Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City is a deeply personal and reflective poem that speaks to the universal human experience of love and loss. The poem is a celebration of the fleeting moments of joy and intimacy that make life worth living, and a reminder of the importance of preserving those moments through memory.
Whitman's use of free verse style and repetition creates a conversational tone that draws the reader in and reinforces the poem's theme of human connection. The images of the city and the woman are juxtaposed to highlight the transitory nature of material possessions and the enduring value of personal relationships.
The poem can be interpreted as a critique of modernity and industrialization, which Whitman saw as dehumanizing forces that threatened the value of personal relationships. The city, with its "shows, architecture, customs, traditions," represents the superficiality of modern life, while the woman represents the human connection and intimacy that modernity threatens to erode.
Overall, Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the enduring value of love and human connection. Whitman's use of free verse style and repetition creates a memorable and emotionally resonant work that continues to inspire readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City: A Celebration of Life and Humanity
Walt Whitman, the father of free verse poetry, is known for his celebration of life and humanity in his works. One of his most famous poems, "Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City," is a perfect example of his style and philosophy. In this poem, Whitman takes us on a journey through a bustling city, where he encounters different people and experiences. Through his observations, he reflects on the beauty and diversity of life, and the interconnectedness of all things.
The poem begins with the speaker passing through a populous city, which is not named. The city is described as "crowded, with people and houses," and the speaker is "amid the crowd, alone." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker is both a part of and separate from the city and its inhabitants. He is an observer, but also a participant in the life of the city.
As the speaker walks through the city, he encounters different people and scenes. He sees "the hurrying, busy, unloving crowd," but also "the beautiful, curious, smiling crowd." He observes the "sights and sounds of the city," including "the buzz of the little world," "the clatter of hoofs," and "the jingling of loose money." These sensory details bring the city to life, and make the reader feel as if they are walking alongside the speaker.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its celebration of diversity. Whitman describes the people he encounters in the city in vivid detail, highlighting their differences and uniqueness. He sees "the mechanics of the city, the masters, well-form'd, beautiful-faced, looking you straight in the eyes," as well as "the women, the shops and shows, a motley procession." He also sees "the negro driver," "the red girl," and "the mulatto boy." By including people of different races and backgrounds, Whitman emphasizes the idea that all people are equal and worthy of celebration.
Another important theme in the poem is the interconnectedness of all things. Whitman sees the city as a microcosm of the world, where everything is connected and interdependent. He writes, "Each belongs here or anywhere just as much as the well-off, just as much as you, Each has his or her place in the procession." This idea is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "all goes onward and outward," which suggests that everything is constantly moving and evolving.
The poem also contains a sense of urgency and impermanence. The speaker is aware that the city and its inhabitants are constantly changing, and that nothing lasts forever. He writes, "Faces and eyes that I pass by, / Years hence they will know me not." This sense of impermanence is echoed in the final lines of the poem, where the speaker reflects on his own mortality. He writes, "O I see now flashing that this America is only you and me, / Its power, weapons, testimony, are you and me, / Its crimes, lies, thefts, defections, are you and me, / Its Congress is you and me, the officers, capitols, armies, ships, are you and me, / Its endless gestations of new States are you and me, / The war, (that war so bloody and grim, the war I will henceforth forget), was you and me, / Natural and artificial are you and me, / Freedom, language, poems, employments, are you and me, / Past, present, future, are you and me."
In these lines, Whitman suggests that everything in America, and indeed the world, is the result of the actions and choices of individuals. He emphasizes the idea that we are all connected, and that our actions have consequences that ripple outwards. This is a powerful message, and one that is still relevant today.
In conclusion, "Once I Pass'd Through A Populous City" is a celebration of life and humanity, and a reflection on the interconnectedness of all things. Through his observations of the city and its inhabitants, Whitman emphasizes the beauty and diversity of life, and the importance of recognizing our shared humanity. The poem is a reminder that everything is connected, and that our actions have consequences that extend far beyond ourselves. It is a powerful and timeless work, and one that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.
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