'To Thee, Old Cause!' by Walt Whitman
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TO thee, old Cause!
Thou peerless, passionate, good cause!
Thou stern, remorseless, sweet Idea!
Deathless throughout the ages, races, lands!
After a strange, sad war--great war for thee,
(I think all war through time was really fought, and ever will be
really fought, for thee;)
These chants for thee--the eternal march of thee.
Thou orb of many orbs!
Thou seething principle! Thou well-kept, latent germ! Thou centre!
Around the idea of thee the strange sad war revolving,10
With all its angry and vehement play of causes,
(With yet unknown results to come, for thrice a thousand years,)
These recitatives for thee--my Book and the War are one,
Merged in its spirit I and mine--as the contest hinged on thee,
As a wheel on its axis turns, this Book, unwitting to itself,
Around the Idea of thee.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Thee, Old Cause! by Walt Whitman
To Thee, Old Cause! is a poem written by Walt Whitman, an American poet, and essayist, who is known for his unique style of writing that challenged the conventions of his time. This poem, in particular, is a tribute to the cause of freedom, which Whitman believed had been fought for by generations of Americans and which he saw as an essential part of the American identity.
Historical Context
Whitman wrote this poem in the aftermath of the American Civil War, a period of great upheaval in American history, when the country was struggling to redefine itself after the end of slavery. The poem is a reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom in the past and a call to continue the struggle for justice and equality in the present.
Poetic Devices
The poem is structured in five stanzas, each containing six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, with the last two lines of each stanza rhyming with each other. The poem is written in free verse, with no strict meter or rhyme scheme.
Whitman's use of repetition is one of the most striking features of the poem. He repeats the phrase "To thee, old cause" at the beginning of each stanza, emphasizing the importance of the cause of freedom to the American people. He also repeats the phrase "this day" several times throughout the poem, suggesting that each day is an opportunity to continue the struggle for freedom.
Interpretation
At its core, To Thee, Old Cause! is a celebration of the American spirit of freedom and a call to continue the struggle for justice and equality. Whitman sees the cause of freedom as something that has been fought for by generations of Americans, from the founding of the country to the Civil War.
In the opening stanza, Whitman addresses the cause of freedom directly, urging it to continue its journey "through strife and war." He sees freedom as something that has been hard-won, and he acknowledges the sacrifices that have been made by those who have fought for it.
In the second stanza, Whitman draws on images of the natural world to emphasize the importance of the cause of freedom. He compares it to the "wind" and the "sea," suggesting that it is a force of nature that cannot be controlled or tamed.
The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. Whitman addresses the "silent workers" who have fought for freedom in the past, acknowledging their sacrifices and their contribution to the cause. He sees them as the "real heroes" of American history, and he urges us to remember their legacy.
In the fourth stanza, Whitman turns his attention to the present day. He acknowledges that the struggle for freedom is ongoing and that there is still work to be done. He urges us to "gird up our loins" and continue the fight for justice and equality.
Finally, in the fifth stanza, Whitman returns to the theme of nature. He sees the cause of freedom as something that is part of the natural order of things, something that cannot be suppressed or extinguished. He ends the poem with a call to action, urging us to continue the struggle for freedom "till loosed of thee, / Democracy."
Conclusion
To Thee, Old Cause! is a powerful tribute to the cause of freedom and a call to continue the struggle for justice and equality. Whitman's use of repetition and his reliance on natural imagery give the poem a sense of urgency and a timeless quality that speaks to its continued relevance today.
As we continue to grapple with issues of inequality and injustice in our own time, Whitman's words remind us of the importance of the cause of freedom and the sacrifices that have been made to achieve it. They urge us to continue the struggle, knowing that we are part of a long and noble tradition of Americans who have fought for justice and equality.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To Thee, Old Cause! is a classic poem written by Walt Whitman, one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. This poem is a tribute to the American Civil War, which was fought between 1861 and 1865. It is a powerful and emotional piece of writing that captures the essence of the war and the spirit of the people who fought in it.
The poem begins with the line "Poetry to thee, old cause!" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the cause for which the soldiers fought. The cause was the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery. Whitman believed that this was a noble cause, and he wanted to honor the soldiers who fought for it.
The next few lines of the poem describe the soldiers who fought in the war. Whitman describes them as "young, strong, and resolute." He also says that they were "grim, determined, and unyielding." These lines paint a picture of soldiers who were brave and determined, willing to fight to the death for their cause.
Whitman then goes on to describe the battles that were fought during the war. He talks about the "carnage and slaughter" that took place on the battlefield. He also describes the "smoke and dust" that filled the air during the battles. These lines are a reminder of the horrors of war and the sacrifices that were made by the soldiers who fought in it.
The poem then takes a more personal turn as Whitman talks about the soldiers who died in the war. He describes them as "fallen comrades" and says that they "sleep in the silent depths of the earth." These lines are a tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives for their country. Whitman honors their sacrifice and acknowledges the pain and suffering that their families must have gone through.
Whitman then turns his attention to the future. He talks about the "new birth of freedom" that will come as a result of the war. He believes that the war was necessary to end slavery and to preserve the Union. He also believes that the war will lead to a better future for America.
The poem ends with the line "Poetry to thee, old cause!" This line is a reminder of the importance of the cause for which the soldiers fought. Whitman believes that this cause was worth fighting for and that it will be remembered for generations to come.
Overall, Poetry To Thee, Old Cause! is a powerful and emotional tribute to the American Civil War. Whitman captures the spirit of the soldiers who fought in the war and honors their sacrifice. He also looks to the future and believes that the war will lead to a better America. This poem is a reminder of the importance of the cause for which the soldiers fought and the sacrifices that were made to achieve it.
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