'With All Thy Gifts' by Walt Whitman


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WITH all thy gifts, America,
(Standing secure, rapidly tending, overlooking the world,)
Power, wealth, extent, vouchsafed to thee--With these, and like of
these, vouchsafed to thee,
What if one gift thou lackest? (the ultimate human problem never
solving;)
The gift of Perfect Women fit for thee--What of that gift of gifts
thou lackest?
The towering Feminine of thee? the beauty, health, completion, fit
for thee?
The Mothers fit for thee?


Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, With All Thy Gifts: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, a prominent American poet, wrote Poetry, With All Thy Gifts in 1865. This poem, like most of Whitman's works, is characterized by its free-verse form and unconventional style. Poetry, With All Thy Gifts is a nostalgic, personal reflection on the power of poetry and the profound impact that it can have on the human soul. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, language, and structure of this masterpiece by Walt Whitman.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in Poetry, With All Thy Gifts is the transformative power of poetry. Whitman argues that poetry has the ability to transcend time and space, to touch the deepest parts of the human soul, and to connect individuals across different cultures and backgrounds. He writes:

"Poetry, with all thy gifts--be thou my refuge,
For, underneath the falls, the blushes,
The tears, the laughter, hiding, appealing--underneath
The shapes of things,
I see thy murmuring,
Soul of my soul,
The same,
Identical,
Eternal."

Here, Whitman suggests that poetry is a universal force that can bridge the gaps between people and cultures. He argues that poetry is a refuge, a place of solace and comfort, where individuals can find connection and understanding.

Another important theme in Poetry, With All Thy Gifts is the relationship between nature and the human experience. Throughout the poem, Whitman draws upon natural imagery to describe the transformative power of poetry. He writes:

"O Nature!
Thy elements were first, and in thy power
Is my power--in thy spirit is my spirit;
And thou hast taught me,
In the lone stillness of thy summer reign,
The murmur of thy streams,
The music of thy birds,
And the sweet fragrance of thy flowers."

Here, Whitman suggests that nature is a powerful force that can inspire and transform the human experience. He argues that by connecting with nature, individuals can tap into a deeper sense of self and unlock their creative potential.

Language

One of the most striking features of Poetry, With All Thy Gifts is its use of language. Whitman's free-verse style and unconventional grammar create a sense of fluidity and movement throughout the poem. He uses a wide range of poetic devices, including repetition, imagery, and metaphor, to convey his message.

For example, Whitman uses repetition to emphasize the transformative power of poetry. Throughout the poem, he repeats the phrase "Poetry, with all thy gifts," creating a sense of urgency and importance. He also repeats the word "underneath," which emphasizes the hidden, transformative power of poetry.

Whitman's use of imagery is also noteworthy. He draws upon natural imagery to describe the transformative power of poetry, using words such as "falls," "blushes," "tears," "laughter," and "shapes of things." This imagery creates a sense of beauty and wonder throughout the poem, and emphasizes the profound impact that poetry can have on the human soul.

Structure

The structure of Poetry, With All Thy Gifts is another interesting aspect of the poem. Whitman's use of free-verse and unconventional grammar creates a sense of fluidity and movement throughout the poem. He also uses enjambment, or the running of one line into the next without punctuation, to create a sense of momentum and energy.

Whitman's use of repetition and imagery also contributes to the structure of the poem. The repeated phrase "Poetry, with all thy gifts" serves as a sort of refrain throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and cohesion. The natural imagery that Whitman uses also creates a sense of structure and order, as he draws upon the natural world to convey his message.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry, With All Thy Gifts is a masterpiece by Walt Whitman that explores the transformative power of poetry and the relationship between nature and the human experience. Through his use of language, imagery, and structure, Whitman creates a sense of beauty and wonder throughout the poem, emphasizing the profound impact that poetry can have on the human soul. This poem is a testament to the power of art and its ability to connect individuals across time and space, and it remains a timeless masterpiece of American literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry With All Thy Gifts: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, the American poet, essayist, and journalist, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative poets of the 19th century. His works, including "Leaves of Grass," "Song of Myself," and "O Captain! My Captain!" have inspired generations of poets and readers alike. Among his many masterpieces, "Poetry With All Thy Gifts" stands out as a powerful and evocative ode to the art of poetry.

Written in 1865, "Poetry With All Thy Gifts" is a poem that celebrates the power and beauty of poetry. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of poetry. The first stanza focuses on the role of poetry in capturing the essence of life, while the second stanza explores the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit. The final stanza is a call to action, urging poets to use their gifts to create a better world.

The poem begins with the lines, "Poetry with all thy gifts, / Thou art not for the crowd." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that poetry is not meant for the masses but for those who can appreciate its beauty and power. The speaker goes on to describe the role of poetry in capturing the essence of life, saying that poetry "takes the essence of the past and present / And the knowledge of the universe."

The second stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Here, the speaker describes the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit. The lines "Thou art the inspirer of heroes and martyrs" suggest that poetry has the power to inspire people to greatness, to give them the courage to stand up for what they believe in. The speaker goes on to describe how poetry can bring comfort to those who are suffering, saying that it "gives ease to the mind and heart / And brings peace and joy to the soul."

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker urges poets to use their gifts to create a better world, saying that "the world needs poets more than ever." The lines "Go forth, O bard! / Sing of the people and their struggles" suggest that poets have a responsibility to use their gifts to speak out against injustice and to give voice to those who are marginalized and oppressed.

Overall, "Poetry With All Thy Gifts" is a powerful and evocative ode to the art of poetry. Through its three stanzas, the poem explores the many ways in which poetry can enrich our lives and inspire us to greatness. It is a call to action, urging poets to use their gifts to create a better world. Walt Whitman's words continue to inspire and resonate with readers today, reminding us of the power and beauty of poetry.

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