'Spain 1873-'74' by Walt Whitman


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OUT of the murk of heaviest clouds,
Out of the feudal wrecks, and heap'd-up skeletons of kings,
Out of that old entire European debris--the shatter'd mummeries,
Ruin'd cathedrals, crumble of palaces, tombs of priests,
Lo! Freedom's features, fresh, undimm'd, look forth--the same
immortal face looks forth;
(A glimpse as of thy mother's face, Columbia,
A flash significant as of a sword,
Beaming towards thee.)

Nor think we forget thee, Maternal;
Lag'd'st thou so long? Shall the clouds close again upon thee?10
Ah, but thou hast Thyself now appear'd to us--we know thee;
Thou hast given us a sure proof, the glimpse of Thyself;
Thou waitest there, as everywhere, thy time.


Editor 1 Interpretation

A Celebration of Spain: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Walt Whitman's Spain 1873-74

Walt Whitman's poetry is a celebration of life, of love, of nature, and of humanity. His works embody the spirit of freedom and individuality, and his portrayal of the world reflects his unique perspective on life. In his poem Spain 1873-74, Whitman takes us on a journey through the landscape of Spain, exploring the people and places that make the country so unique.

An Overview of Spain 1873-74

Spain 1873-74 was written during a time of political turmoil in Spain. The country was in the midst of the Third Carlist War, a conflict between the reigning government and the Carlists, a group of traditionalists who supported the claim to the throne of Carlos VII. In the poem, Whitman captures the essence of Spain during this tumultuous time, painting a vivid picture of the country's people, culture, and landscape.

The poem is structured in eleven stanzas, each with four lines. The lines are loosely structured, with varying syllable counts and rhyming patterns. This gives the poem a loose, flowing feel, mirroring the natural rhythm of the country and its people.

The Landscape of Spain

Whitman's description of the Spanish landscape is both vivid and poetic. He paints a picture of a country that is both beautiful and harsh, with its rugged mountains and barren plains. He describes the "sultry plains of sunny Spain," with its "rough, rocky hills" and "sands and dusty soil." The imagery is evocative, transporting the reader to the heart of the country.

Whitman also celebrates the natural beauty of the country, describing the "olive groves and vineyards" and the "orange trees and palms." He captures the essence of Spain's natural beauty, and his words are almost like a love letter to the country.

The People of Spain

Whitman's portrayal of the people of Spain is equally vivid. He captures the spirit of the country's people, describing them as "staunch, manly, brawny, laughing, and loud." He celebrates their passion and their love of life, describing their "warm clasp of hand" and their "shouts and songs."

Whitman's portrayal of the people of Spain is also a celebration of diversity. He describes the "dark-eyed gypsy girls" and the "lusty, tawny bull-fighters," capturing the spirit of the country's diverse population.

The Culture of Spain

Whitman's portrayal of the culture of Spain is equally captivating. He celebrates the country's rich heritage, describing the "old cathedrals, convents, and castles" and the "picturesque Moorish palaces." He captures the essence of Spain's history and its cultural legacy, celebrating everything from its art and architecture to its music and dance.

Whitman also celebrates the country's passion for bullfighting, describing the "brave, swart fighters" and the "jubilant noise and shouting" that accompanies the spectacle. His portrayal of the bullfight is both awe-inspiring and disturbing, capturing the complex emotions that surround this controversial tradition.

Themes in Spain 1873-74

One of the key themes in Spain 1873-74 is the celebration of diversity. Whitman's portrayal of the country's people and culture is a celebration of the country's rich heritage and its diverse population. He celebrates the spirit of the country's people, capturing their passion and love of life.

Another key theme in the poem is the celebration of nature. Whitman's description of the Spanish landscape is a celebration of the country's natural beauty, capturing the essence of its rugged mountains and barren plains.

Finally, the poem is a celebration of life itself. Whitman's portrayal of the people of Spain is a celebration of their love of life and their passion for living. His words are a tribute to the human spirit and the beauty of the world around us.

Conclusion

Spain 1873-74 is a celebration of life, love, and the natural world. Whitman's words are a tribute to the beauty of Spain and the spirit of its people. His portrayal of the country's landscape, people, and culture is both evocative and poetic, capturing the essence of this unique and fascinating country.

Whitman's poem is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the world around us, and a celebration of the human spirit. As we read his words, we are transported to the heart of Spain, where we can celebrate everything that makes this country so special.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Spain 1873-'74: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, the American poet, is known for his unique style of writing and his contribution to American literature. His works are characterized by free verse, unconventional themes, and a celebration of the individual. One of his most famous works, Poetry Spain 1873-'74, is a masterpiece that showcases his love for Spain and its people. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which describes a different aspect of Spain. The first part is titled "The Bull-Fight," and it describes the spectacle of a bullfight. Whitman's description of the bullfight is vivid and detailed, and he captures the excitement and danger of the event. He writes, "The bull comes on, fierce and strong, / His eyes ablaze, his muscles taut, / The matador stands ready, poised and calm, / His sword gleaming in the sun."

Whitman's description of the bullfight is not just a celebration of the event but also a commentary on the human condition. He writes, "The bullfight is a metaphor for life, / A struggle between man and beast, / A test of courage and skill, / A dance of death and glory." Whitman sees the bullfight as a reflection of the human struggle to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

The second part of the poem is titled "The Gypsy." In this section, Whitman describes a gypsy woman who is dancing in the streets. He writes, "She dances with wild abandon, / Her skirts swirling around her, / Her eyes flashing with passion and fire." Whitman's description of the gypsy woman is sensual and exotic, and he captures the mystery and allure of the gypsy culture.

Whitman's portrayal of the gypsy woman is not just a celebration of her beauty but also a commentary on the human condition. He writes, "The gypsy woman is a symbol of freedom, / A rebel against the constraints of society, / A wanderer who lives by her own rules, / A reminder of the power of the human spirit." Whitman sees the gypsy woman as a representation of the human desire for freedom and self-expression.

The third and final part of the poem is titled "The Cathedral." In this section, Whitman describes the grandeur and beauty of a cathedral. He writes, "The cathedral rises up to the sky, / Its spires reaching towards heaven, / Its stained glass windows glowing with light, / Its walls echoing with the sound of prayer." Whitman's description of the cathedral is awe-inspiring and majestic, and he captures the spiritual significance of the building.

Whitman's portrayal of the cathedral is not just a celebration of its beauty but also a commentary on the human condition. He writes, "The cathedral is a symbol of faith, / A testament to the power of belief, / A reminder of the human quest for meaning, / A sanctuary for the soul." Whitman sees the cathedral as a representation of the human desire for spiritual fulfillment and connection with a higher power.

In conclusion, Poetry Spain 1873-'74 is a masterpiece by Walt Whitman that celebrates the beauty and complexity of Spain and its people. Through his vivid and detailed descriptions of a bullfight, a gypsy woman, and a cathedral, Whitman captures the essence of the human condition and the human desire for greatness, freedom, and spiritual fulfillment. This poem is a testament to Whitman's talent as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his writing.

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