'To Rich Givers' by Walt Whitman


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WHAT you give me, I cheerfully accept,
A little sustenance, a hut and garden, a little money--these, as I
rendezvous with my poems;
A traveler's lodging and breakfast as I journey through The States--
Why should I be ashamed to own such gifts? Why to advertise for
them?
For I myself am not one who bestows nothing upon man and woman;
For I bestow upon any man or woman the entrance to all the gifts of
the universe.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Rich Givers: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

It's hard to talk about Walt Whitman without feeling a sense of awe. The man who revolutionized American poetry with his groundbreaking collection, "Leaves of Grass," was not just a poet, but a philosopher, a humanist, and a lover of life. His poems are a testament to the beauty of the world and the power of the human spirit. "To Rich Givers" is one such poem that captures the essence of Whitman's philosophy and his profound love for humanity.

At first glance, "To Rich Givers" seems like a straightforward poem about the joys of giving. The poem opens with an appeal to the wealthy to share their wealth with the less fortunate. Whitman addresses them as "you multi-millionaires, / You with the wordless beautiful meanings of money," acknowledging their power and influence in the world. He goes on to describe the joy and satisfaction that comes with giving, urging them to experience the same by sharing their wealth with those in need.

But as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that Whitman's message is not just about giving money, but about giving of oneself. He writes, "Give alms of love and soft words," emphasizing the importance of kindness, compassion, and empathy in our interactions with others. He goes on to say, "Give deeds, not presents," highlighting the value of actions over material possessions.

Whitman's message is not just a moral one, but a political one as well. He calls on the rich to use their power and influence to make a positive change in the world. He writes, "utilize money as your servant to the utmost," urging them to use their wealth to create a better world for all. He recognizes the potential for the rich to make a difference, but also acknowledges the dangers of their power being misused. He urges them to use their wealth responsibly, writing, "Take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men," reminding them to stay humble and not let their wealth blind them to the needs of others.

Throughout the poem, Whitman's love for humanity shines through. He sees the potential for goodness in everyone, regardless of their social status or wealth. He writes, "I see the tracks of the divine everywhere," recognizing the beauty and worth of every human being. He urges the rich to recognize this too, writing, "Do you see O my brothers and sisters? / It is not chaos or death--it is form, union, plan--it is eternal life--it is Happiness."

"To Rich Givers" is a poem that speaks to us even today, over a century since it was written. In a world where the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, Whitman's message of compassion, kindness, and social responsibility is more important than ever. The poem reminds us that the power to make a positive change in the world lies within us all, regardless of our social status or wealth.

In conclusion, "To Rich Givers" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of Whitman's philosophy and his profound love for humanity. Through his words, Whitman urges the wealthy to use their power and influence to create a better world for all. He emphasizes the importance of kindness, compassion, and empathy, reminding us that true wealth lies in the goodness of our hearts. We can all learn from Whitman's message, and strive to be rich givers, not just in terms of money, but in terms of love, deeds, and positive change.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To Rich Givers: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, the father of free verse, is known for his unconventional style of poetry. His works are characterized by their simplicity, directness, and honesty. One of his most famous poems, Poetry To Rich Givers, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his poetic philosophy.

The poem is addressed to the wealthy and influential people of his time, who he believed had a responsibility to support the arts. Whitman begins by acknowledging the generosity of these individuals, but quickly shifts his focus to the true purpose of poetry. He writes:

"You give me the pleasure of your eyes, face, flesh, as we pass, you take of my beard, breast, hands, in return, I am not to speak to you, I am to think of you when I sit alone or wake at night alone, I am to wait, I do not doubt I am to meet you again, I am to see to it that I do not lose you."

Here, Whitman is expressing his belief that poetry is not just about entertainment or decoration, but about human connection. He is asking the rich givers to see beyond the surface level of his poetry and to understand that it is a reflection of his deepest thoughts and emotions. He wants them to know that their support is not just a financial transaction, but a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences.

Whitman goes on to describe the power of poetry to transcend time and space. He writes:

"I am to wait, I do not doubt I am to meet you again, I am to see to it that I do not lose you."

These lines suggest that poetry has the ability to create a lasting bond between the poet and the reader. Even if they never meet in person, the rich givers and Whitman can connect through his words. This is the true value of poetry, according to Whitman: it allows us to share our humanity with others, regardless of our differences.

The poem takes a more political turn in the final stanza, as Whitman addresses the issue of social inequality. He writes:

"I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable, I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world."

Here, Whitman is asserting his own individuality and refusing to conform to society's expectations. He is also calling on the rich givers to do the same, to use their wealth and influence to challenge the status quo and fight for justice. The phrase "barbaric yawp" is a reference to his earlier work, Song of Myself, in which he celebrates the raw, primal nature of humanity. By invoking this image, Whitman is urging his readers to embrace their own wildness and to reject the constraints of society.

In conclusion, Poetry To Rich Givers is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of Walt Whitman's poetic philosophy. It is a call to action for the wealthy and influential people of his time, urging them to see beyond the surface level of his poetry and to understand its true value. It is also a celebration of the power of poetry to connect us as human beings, and a reminder that we all have a responsibility to use our voices to create a better world.

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