'Year Of Meteors, 1859 '60' by Walt Whitman
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YEAR of meteors! brooding year!
I would bind in words retrospective, some of your deeds and signs;
I would sing your contest for the 19th Presidentiad;
I would sing how an old man, tall, with white hair, mounted the
scaffold in Virginia;
(I was at hand--silent I stood, with teeth shut close--I watch'd;
I stood very near you, old man, when cool and indifferent, but
trembling with age and your unheal'd wounds, you mounted the
scaffold;)
--I would sing in my copious song your census returns of The States,
The tables of population and products--I would sing of your ships and
their cargoes,
The proud black ships of Manhattan, arriving, some fill'd with
immigrants, some from the isthmus with cargoes of gold;
Songs thereof would I sing--to all that hitherward comes would I
welcome give;10
And you would I sing, fair stripling! welcome to you from me, sweet
boy of England!
Remember you surging Manhattan's crowds, as you pass'd with your
cortege of nobles?
There in the crowds stood I, and singled you out with attachment;
I know not why, but I loved you... (and so go forth little song,
Far over sea speed like an arrow, carrying my love all folded,
And find in his palace the youth I love, and drop these lines at his
feet;)
--Nor forget I to sing of the wonder, the ship as she swam up my bay,
Well-shaped and stately the Great Eastern swam up my bay, she was 600
feet long,
Her, moving swiftly, surrounded by myriads of small craft, I forget
not to sing;
--Nor the comet that came unannounced out of the north, flaring in
heaven;20
Nor the strange huge meteor procession, dazzling and clear, shooting
over our heads,
(A moment, a moment long, it sail'd its balls of unearthly light over
our heads,
Then departed, dropt in the night, and was gone;)
--Of such, and fitful as they, I sing--with gleams from them would I
gleam and patch these chants;
Your chants, O year all mottled with evil and good! year of
forebodings! year of the youth I love!
Year of comets and meteors transient and strange!--lo! even here, one
equally transient and strange!
As I flit through you hastily, soon to fall and be gone, what is this
book,
What am I myself but one of your meteors?
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into Walt Whitman's Year of Meteors, 1859-60
Upon reading Walt Whitman's Year of Meteors, 1859-60, one is immediately struck by the power and beauty of the poet's words. The poem, which is a meditation on the year 1859 and the many momentous events that occurred during that time, is a tour de force of lyrical poetry. In this piece, I will offer a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic work, exploring its themes, imagery, and style.
Background
Before diving into analysis, it is important to understand the historical context in which Year of Meteors was written. In 1859, a number of significant events occurred that shook American society to its core. These included the publication of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, the trial and execution of abolitionist John Brown, and the discovery of oil in Pennsylvania. The year was also marked by a number of natural disasters, including a devastating meteor shower that lit up the skies over North America.
Whitman was deeply affected by these events, and Year of Meteors reflects his attempt to come to grips with the changes and upheavals of the time. The poem is part of Whitman's larger work, Leaves of Grass, which he spent much of his life revising and expanding.
Themes
One of the central themes of Year of Meteors is the idea of change and transformation. Throughout the poem, Whitman reflects on the many ways in which the world is evolving and shifting. He notes that "the old traditions pass away, and / Life is fresh and new again" (lines 25-26), and celebrates the "great movements onward" that are taking place all around him (line 55).
Another key theme is the tension between progress and destruction. Whitman acknowledges the many positive changes that are occurring, but he also recognizes the potential dangers and risks of these transformations. He notes that "the year is marked by signs of swift, / Amid these days of peace, the inert volcano sleeps" (lines 49-50), suggesting that even as society moves forward, there is always the threat of violence and destruction lurking beneath the surface.
Finally, Year of Meteors is also a meditation on the power and mystery of the natural world. Whitman is deeply attuned to the rhythms of the earth and sky, and he revels in the beauty of the meteor shower that lights up the skies over America. He writes that "the wonder is always and always how there can be a mean man or an infidel" (lines 83-84), suggesting that the grandeur of nature should inspire awe and reverence in all who witness it.
Imagery
Throughout Year of Meteors, Whitman employs a rich and evocative imagery that heightens the emotional power of his words. One of the most striking images is that of the meteor shower itself. Whitman describes the falling stars as "whirling, whirling still" (line 16), and notes that "the sky all purple and golden, some peaked / As with the outlines of buildings, / The great falling starry dome" (lines 17-19).
This image conveys the sense of wonder and awe that the meteor shower inspired in those who witnessed it. Whitman captures the sense of otherworldliness and mystery that surrounded the event, and he uses the image of the stars falling from the sky to suggest the fragility and transience of human life.
Another powerful image is that of the volcano. Whitman describes the "inert volcano" that sleeps beneath the surface of society, noting that even as progress and innovation occur, there is always the danger of violence and destruction lurking just below the surface. This image serves as a warning to readers, urging them to be mindful of the potential dangers of change and progress.
Style
Whitman's style in Year of Meteors is typical of his larger body of work. His language is lyrical and poetic, and he employs a free verse style that allows for a great deal of flexibility and experimentation. He uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, and he often employs lists and catalogs to capture the vastness and complexity of the world around him.
One of the most striking features of Whitman's style is his use of the first person. Throughout Year of Meteors, he speaks directly to the reader, inviting them to share in his experiences and emotions. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, and it allows readers to feel as though they are part of the poet's world.
Conclusion
Year of Meteors, 1859-60 is a powerful and evocative work of poetry that captures the spirit of a time of great change and transformation in American society. Whitman's themes of progress, destruction, and the power of nature still resonate today, and his use of vivid imagery and lyrical language make this poem a timeless masterpiece of American literature. Whether read for its historical significance or its timeless beauty, Year of Meteors is a work that continues to captivate and inspire readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Year of Meteors, 1859-60 is a classic poem written by Walt Whitman, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century. This poem is a reflection of the tumultuous times in which it was written, and it captures the essence of the American spirit during a period of great change and upheaval.
The poem begins with a description of the night sky, which is filled with meteors. Whitman describes the meteors as "swift and bright" and notes that they are "falling through the air like rain." This image of the night sky filled with falling stars is a powerful one, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
As the poem progresses, Whitman begins to reflect on the events of the past year. He notes that it has been a year of great change and upheaval, both in America and around the world. He mentions the "great political convulsions" that have taken place, and he notes that "the world has been shaken to its foundations."
Whitman goes on to describe the various events that have taken place over the past year. He mentions the "great war" that has been fought, and he notes that "the land has been filled with the sound of battle." He also mentions the "great famine" that has swept across the land, and he notes that "the people have suffered greatly."
Despite all of this turmoil and upheaval, Whitman remains optimistic. He notes that "out of the darkness and the chaos, a new day is dawning." He believes that the events of the past year have been necessary in order to bring about this new day, and he is excited about what the future holds.
One of the most striking things about this poem is the way in which Whitman uses language. His words are powerful and evocative, and they paint a vivid picture of the world in which he lived. He uses metaphors and similes to great effect, and he is able to convey complex ideas in a way that is both accessible and engaging.
Another notable aspect of this poem is the way in which it captures the spirit of the American people. Whitman was writing at a time when America was still a young and growing nation, and he was able to capture the optimism and energy of the American people in a way that few other poets have been able to do.
Overall, The Poetry Year of Meteors, 1859-60 is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of a tumultuous period in American history. Whitman's words are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them, and his message of hope and optimism is one that we can all take to heart.
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