At the turn of the 19th century, Walt Whitman published his seminal work, “Leaves of Grass,” which has been widely recognized for its literary greatness. This poem, written in free verse, has been interpreted in a variety of ways. One interpretation, the “Clear Midnight Walt Whitman Analysis,” comes from a study by Stephen Colbert and Charles Bloom. In this analysis, Colbert and Bloom discuss the sounds and moods, but particularly the theme of acceptance, that are so prominent in Whitman’s poem.
To begin, Colbert and Bloom note the alliterative and assonant sounds of the opening lines: “Clear midnight, not a sound of o’ermy port,/feelings and silent moans, thinking”.These sounds convey the poem’s sense of mystery and awe. In addition, they create a scene that encapsulates Whitman’s desire to be seen as deriving his inspiration from his surroundings; a sentiment echoed in other works of his, including “Song of Myself.” Furthermore, Colbert and Bloom suggest the “feelings and silent moans” could indicate a scientific reading, in which Whitman seeks to describe the concept of perpetual motion, in which all of nature is eternally connected in a ‘graceful dance.’
Colbert and Bloom also note that the poem has a “gloomy and pensive” mood. Whitman’s use of free verse, punctuated by commas and colons, allows him to convey the sense of “acceptance” that is so central to the poem. This can be illustrated by the phrase “Love and silence” at the poem’s conclusion. Whitman seems to suggest that, despite all the beauty and mystery of life, it is only with acceptance that we can be truely content.
Colbert and Bloom also interpret the poem’s metaphysical aspects. They suggest that Whitman embraces the idea of a “soulmate,” someone who will accept his “soul” and be an ideal companion. This was a radical notion for the time and ties in to the theme of acceptance that Colbert and Bloom have discussed.
In addition, Whitman’s appreciation for nature is also clear in this poem. He praises the night stars, saying, “The bright stars hang, alone, on the night air,/Off on the distant water’s edge.” At the same time, he also associates the stars with love and eternity, making the connection between the two ideas even clearer.
First Expansion
Whitman’s themes are often interpreted in a political context. For example, the implications of his poem could be seen as a warning against excessive nationalism. In the poem, he writes, “Behold none separate, none shall die alone.” This could be interpreted as a call to embrace all of humankind and accept them for their differences.
Colbert and Bloom also make an interesting note about the concept of “acceptance,” suggesting that it is a recurring theme throughout Whitman’s poetry. This idea is echoed in the famous poem “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” where Whitman writes, “The life that has not all ages blended in it/Through all its veins nor any moments stayed/Shall leave no marvel like this.” This message of acceptance is further reinforced with the words of the final line, “Love and silence.”
The poem also celebrates the different kinds of love that exist between us. For example, the lines, “And none of all these syllables shall adrift the love that is twined together,/Each syllable, emotions and laughs” offer an optimistic view that love is an eternal force.
Moreover, “Clear Midnight” also serves as an ode to nature, indicating Whitman’s appreciation for the natural beauty around him. In particular, the reference to the “moon sailing calmly” and the “star-lit sky” create a sense of peace and admiration that can only be achieved in the presence of nature.
Second Expansion
Colbert and Bloom’s analysis of “Clear Midnight” highlights the complexity of Whitman’s poem, which has been referred to as one of America’s greatest works. The poem’s themes of acceptance, love and nature combine to create a powerful and evocative atmosphere, and Whitman’s dignified use of alliterative and assonant sounds further enhance its beauty.
Moreover, this poem reflects Whitman’s broader beliefs. His use of free verse encourages the reader to think outside the box and break down barriers. He also speaks to Whitman’s commitment to social justice and opposition to excessive nationalism, themes which are allthe more relevant today.
Moreover, the beauty of this poem lies in its universal meaning. Whitman writes of love and acceptance with a poetic elegance that transcends age and landscape. As such, “Clear Midnight” continues to be celebrated as one of the most beloved poems of all time.
Third Expansion
The cultural and historical influences on Whitman are also worth exploring. The poet was famously influenced by the Romantic poets of the 18th Century, such as Wordsworth and Coleridge. In particular, Whitman took the idea of the ‘supernatural’ from these poets and used it to create a unique poetic vision which sought to draw attention to the spiritual and the sublime in nature.
Furthermore, it is important to understand the context in which this poem was written. This was a time of tremendous change; industrialization, the American Civil War, and the rise of modernism, among other events, were reshaping the cultural landscape of America. Thus, it is safe to say that “Clear Midnight” is a reflection of the times in which it was written.
Whitman’s influence on 20th Century poetry is also worth noting. Many poets, including Allen Ginsberg and Langston Hughes, have cited Whitman as an influence on their own work. While their styles may be significantly different, they all share an appreciation for Whitman’s innovative use of language and his ability to effectively convey his thoughts and feelings.
Fourth Expansion
Whitman’s influence on contemporary poetry is clear. In addition to inspiring poets of his era, his work also continues to be a source of inspiration for modern artists. From the work of American rappers such as Kanye West and Jay-Z to British singer-songwriters such as Adele and Sam Smith, Whitman’s influence can be seen everywhere.
Moreover, the legacy of “Clear Midnight” extends beyond literature. The poem has been set to music, and the lines “The sunny day is done/And the darkness comes on fast” have become almost an anthem for those who appreciate the beauty and mystery of nightfall.
Finally, the poem has also been used in the classroom to teach students about the power of poetry. It can be used to inspire students to think about the connection between poetic language and emotion, and to explore various themes, including love, acceptance and nature.
The significance of Walt Whitman’s poem, “Clear Midnight,” is clear. Through its timeless themes and its unique sound, the poem has become an integral part of America’s literary repertoire, inspiring generations of artists and serving as a model for contemporary writers.
