Whitman’s poems have defined various trials and developments in the literary community. His somewhat controversial language has left him with an arguable basis. Although he is not thoroughly respected by many, critical review, such as Harold Bloom, feel otherwise. In an article, Bloom on Walt Whitman, Bloom displays his respect toward the prominent author (Bloom). Bloom states in the introduction paragraph, “For many years now I have been expanding my contention that Walt Whitman remains the most eminent author nurtured in the Western Hemisphere, in the four hundred years since European languages first invaded the shores of the Americas” (Bloom). Bloom then goes on to speak about Whitman’s prominence throughout the literary community. He commends Whitman for his developing abilities throughout this particular period. Although Whitman’s work can be highly regarded, his themes can be considered somewhat controversial within themselves.
In an effort to discover one’s self, Whitman used various poems. Poems such as: “O Captain, My Captain, One Song, America, Before I go, As I watch’d the Ploughman Ploughing, and Myself and Mine.” With these poems, an adequate depiction of self discovery and Whitman’s influential work can be highly displayed. Whitman used repetitive, yet sufficient language to obtain his audience. Whitman commonly used cliché language in his writing. Although this is set typically as a negative aspect of one’s writing, Whitman was effective in his ability to capture his audience and display his intentions throughout his literary pieces.
In the poem “O Captain, My Captain,” Whitman uses much evidence of death in relation to the sea and ships (Whitman). His metaphorical composition allows for entertainment, as opposed to a literary piece based upon death itself. This correlates with Realism and the ability to compose factual information into a singular piece. Although this particular piece may not be based upon factual information, the language allows the reader to retain an adequate depiction of death, Realism, and one’s ability to care for another. “O Captain, My Captain” displays Whitman’s prominence in the literary community. He uses effective structure and language to successfully obtain an audience (Whitman). This poem itself is a significant example of Whitman’s excellent qualities as a writer. With his ability to write in a successful manner, Whitman is able to correlate with Harold Bloom’s interpretation of the author. Because of this quality, Whitman can be further examined as an adequate author and figure.
Whitman uses the ideology of self and religion to display his work. In the poem "O Captain, My Captain," Whitman speaks about Abraham Lincoln and his assassination (Whitman). Thoughts about his death and his outlasting impact on the United States is heavily revealed. With this, Whitman uses the relation of ships, the sea, and nautical themes to persuade his audience on the relevance of Lincoln throughout the reforming times (Whitman). Whitman speaks about the United States throughout this entire poem. Because of his relation to nautical themes, readers may gain an adequate interpretation of Lincoln's success and overall relevance in History.
According to the theory of self, religious empowerment relies in one's self. The idea that a higher power inhabits oneself is that of a more opinionated theory. Because of this opinionated theory, a reader opposed to the idea of religion may feel inept in his or her interpretation of self. Much knowledge of religion is not heavily displayed throughout poems such as "O Captain, My Captain," but the poem "As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing" depict this ideology of religion (Whitman). The poem speaks about life and death, as in relation to Jesus Christ and the Crucifixion (Whitman). By allowing this material to inhabit his work, Whitman brought about much support but allowed for much criticism throughout. After much thought, the poem can depict an everlasting quality in relation to religion. A further depiction of one's religious abilities and qualities can be further evaluated upon knowledge of Whitman's literary pieces.
Throughout Whitman's work, he continuously displays a cohesive amount religion, Realism, and symbolic relations to entertain his readers. Although he faced some controversy with his subject matter, his ability to sufficiently depict or elaborate upon factual material allows for much recognition. Whitman's prominence in the literary community allowed for an adequate example of religion, self, and actuality within various pieces. Whitman's undeniable contribution to the literary community will allow for further improvement throughout.
Bloom, Harold. "Bloom on Walt Whitman." In Bloom, Harold, ed. Walt Whitman, Classic Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 2007. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= CCVWaW001&SingleRecord=True (accessed March 1, 2011).
Whitman, Walt. "As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing". Leaves of Grass. 1900. Print.
Whitman, Walt. "O Captain! My Captain!". Leaves of Grass. 1900. Print.
No comments:
Post a Comment