'Think Of The Soul' by Walt Whitman
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THINK of the Soul;
I swear to you that body of yours gives proportions to your Soul
somehow to live in other spheres;
I do not know how, but I know it is so.
Think of loving and being loved;
I swear to you, whoever you are, you can interfuse yourself with such
things that everybody that sees you shall look longingly upon
you.
Think of the past;
I warn you that in a little while others will find their past in you
and your times.
The race is never separated--nor man nor woman escapes;
All is inextricable--things, spirits, Nature, nations, you too--from
precedents you come.
Recall the ever-welcome defiers, (The mothers precede them;)10
Recall the sages, poets, saviors, inventors, lawgivers, of the earth;
Recall Christ, brother of rejected persons--brother of slaves,
felons, idiots, and of insane and diseas'd persons.
Think of the time when you were not yet born;
Think of times you stood at the side of the dying;
Think of the time when your own body will be dying.
Think of spiritual results,
Sure as the earth swims through the heavens, does every one of its
objects pass into spiritual results.
Think of manhood, and you to be a man;
Do you count manhood, and the sweet of manhood, nothing?
Think of womanhood, and you to be a woman;20
The creation is womanhood;
Have I not said that womanhood involves all?
Have I not told how the universe has nothing better than the best
womanhood?
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Think of the Soul" by Walt Whitman: A Journey into the Depths of Human Emotions
Have you ever felt the urge to explore the innermost corners of your soul? Have you ever wanted to dive into the depths of your emotions and understand them better? If yes, then Walt Whitman's poem "Think of the Soul" is the perfect companion for you.
Whitman, a celebrated American poet, was known for his unconventional style and free verse. His poetry celebrated the individual, the democracy of the soul, and the beauty of nature. In "Think of the Soul," Whitman takes us on a journey of self-discovery, where we explore the complexities of our emotions and the power they hold over us.
Structure and Form
"Think of the Soul" is a short poem of only six lines. However, the brevity of the poem does not diminish its power. Whitman's use of free verse allows him to experiment with the structure and form of the poem, giving it a unique rhythm and cadence.
The poem consists of two stanzas, each with three lines. The first stanza sets up the premise of the poem, inviting the reader to think about the soul. The second stanza takes this thought further, asking the reader to consider the power of the soul over our emotions and actions.
Whitman's use of repetition, alliteration, and assonance adds to the musicality of the poem. For example, the repetition of the phrase "Think of the Soul" gives the poem a sense of urgency, inviting the reader to pay attention. The alliteration in "Soul, with its own silent, tidal flow" creates a sense of movement and fluidity, mimicking the ebb and flow of emotions.
Themes and Interpretation
"Think of the Soul" is a poem that explores the complexities of human emotions and their relation to the soul. Whitman uses the soul as a metaphor for the essence of our being, the part of us that transcends our physical existence. He suggests that our emotions are not merely reactions to external stimuli but are a result of the soul's silent tidal flow.
The poem encourages us to think about the power of our soul and how it shapes our emotions and actions. Whitman suggests that our emotions are not something to be controlled or suppressed but are an integral part of our being. The soul, with its silent, tidal flow, guides us through the ups and downs of life, shaping our experiences and shaping us as individuals.
The poem also invites us to consider the beauty and complexity of our emotions. Whitman suggests that our emotions, like the soul, are a force to be reckoned with. They have the power to inspire and uplift us, as well as bring us down. However, even in our darkest moments, the soul's silent, tidal flow continues, guiding us towards a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Literary Criticism
"Think of the Soul" is a poem that has been celebrated for its musicality, structure, and themes. Critics have praised Whitman's use of free verse and his ability to create a sense of movement and fluidity in the poem. The repetition of the phrase "Think of the Soul" has been noted as a powerful rhetorical device, inviting the reader to pay attention to the message of the poem.
The poem's themes of self-discovery and the power of the soul have also been praised by critics. Whitman's use of the soul as a metaphor for the essence of our being has been noted as a powerful way to explore the complexities of human emotions. The poem's encouragement to embrace our emotions, rather than suppressing them, has been noted as a refreshing take on the subject.
However, some critics have criticized the poem for being too simplistic and lacking in depth. They suggest that Whitman's use of free verse and lack of structure make the poem feel disjointed and lacking in substance. Others have suggested that the poem's focus on the soul is too abstract and lacks a clear message.
Conclusion
"Think of the Soul" is a poem that invites us to explore the depths of our emotions and the power of the soul. Through the use of free verse and powerful rhetorical devices, Whitman creates a sense of urgency and invites the reader to pay attention to the message of the poem. The poem's themes of self-discovery and the beauty of our emotions have been celebrated by critics and continue to inspire readers today.
In the end, "Think of the Soul" is a poem that challenges us to consider the complexities of our being and the role that our emotions play in shaping our experiences. It encourages us to embrace our emotions, rather than suppressing them, and invites us to think about the power of the soul in guiding us through life's ups and downs. As we journey through life, may we always remember to think of the soul and the power it holds over us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Think of the Soul, written by Walt Whitman, is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its depth and insight into the human condition. This poem is a beautiful representation of the poet's philosophy of life, which emphasizes the importance of the soul and its connection to the universe. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem to understand its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line, "Think of the soul," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is urging the reader to contemplate the soul, to consider its importance and its place in the world. The first stanza continues with a description of the soul as something that is "vast and silent" and "like a star." This metaphorical language creates a sense of wonder and awe, as the soul is compared to something that is both beautiful and mysterious.
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the relationship between the soul and the universe. The speaker describes the soul as being "infinite and eternal," and suggests that it is connected to everything around it. This idea of interconnectedness is a central theme in Whitman's work, and it is particularly evident in this poem. The speaker goes on to say that the soul "contains everything" and "encompasses all." This suggests that the soul is not just a part of the universe, but that it is the universe itself.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it describes the soul's ability to transcend time and space. The speaker suggests that the soul is not bound by physical limitations, but rather exists outside of them. This idea is reinforced by the use of the metaphorical language, as the soul is described as being "like a ship in the limitless ocean" and "like a bird in the infinite sky." These images create a sense of freedom and possibility, as the soul is portrayed as something that is not constrained by the limitations of the physical world.
The fourth and final stanza of the poem brings the focus back to the reader, as the speaker urges them to "think of the soul" once again. This repetition emphasizes the importance of the soul and its connection to the universe. The speaker suggests that by contemplating the soul, the reader can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. The poem ends with the line, "And I say to mankind, Be not curious about God," which suggests that the speaker believes that the soul is the key to understanding the divine.
The structure of the poem is relatively simple, with four stanzas of equal length. This creates a sense of balance and symmetry, which reinforces the idea of interconnectedness that is central to the poem. The use of metaphors and other literary devices also contributes to the overall effect of the poem. For example, the use of the star metaphor in the first stanza creates a sense of wonder and awe, while the ship and bird metaphors in the third stanza create a sense of freedom and possibility.
One of the most interesting aspects of this poem is the way in which it reflects Whitman's philosophy of life. Whitman was a transcendentalist, which means that he believed in the importance of individualism, self-reliance, and the connection between the individual and the universe. This philosophy is evident in Think of the Soul, as the poem emphasizes the importance of the soul and its connection to the universe. The idea of interconnectedness is also central to transcendentalism, and it is reflected in the way that the soul is described as being connected to everything around it.
In conclusion, Think of the Soul is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of the soul, the universe, and the connection between the two. The use of metaphors and other literary devices creates a sense of wonder and awe, while the structure of the poem reinforces the idea of interconnectedness. This poem is a powerful representation of Whitman's philosophy of life, and it continues to inspire readers to contemplate the soul and its place in the world.
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