Walt Whitman’s song “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is one of his most beloved and frequently quoted works. The poem was first published in The Saturday Press in May 1856 and is considered a lyrical masterpiece. It was inspired by Whitman’s frequent trips across the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn and has become an iconic symbol of the bridge-building spirit of New York City.
The poem is known for its imagery and its thoughtful look at nature and the way in which it is connected to our individual lives. Whitman uses a sprawling structure to capture the feeling of being on the ferry and the changes in light and reflections of life on the river below. He explains how each generation of New Yorkers has experienced their own unique changes while still respecting and cherishing their predecessors.
Critics have noted the spiritual undertones of the poem, praising Whitman for his ability to communicate spiritual themes in a secular context. One of the poem’s most influential passages reads, “For all is amicable with me, and I with all. We are mutual lovers, irrevocable, / Unstinted in love, nourished with love divine, / Throbbing through, each and all.” It is a sentiment that has been used by many to describe their own love for the city and its citizens.
Significantly, Whitman’s poem is structured in the way of an ode – a form of lyric poetry that has been used to celebrate people, objects and events since Ancient Greece. By breaking the poem into quatrains Whitman was able to cut the poem up, allowing for greater variation in tone and meter. This serves to capture the experience of ferry crossing, as if one were travelling through different parts of oneself.
The poem has been analysed as an exploration of Whitman’s New York in the mid-1800s, a world that combined industry and spiritualism as well as a more traditional separation of the sexes. The imagery of the river and its constantly changing nature serves to underline how in the same way, our lives are constantly shifting and changing, while in the background remains the unchanging love Whitman has for his city and its people.
The Political Analysis
The political context of the poem is also heavily explored by some critics. As a sixth generation New Yorker and one of the greatest American poets of the 19th century, Whitman was acutely aware of the plight of his fellow citizens. By combining the beauty of nature with industrial and urban elements, Whitman aimed to appeal to the reader on both a philosophical and emotional level.
Critics have suggested that Whitman’s poem was a way of providing an escape from the troubles of everyday life. By describing the sublime beauty and ever-changing nature of the river, Whitman allows for the reader to dream of better times, when the troubles of the world were not so overwhelming. This is an aesthetic that has been highly praised by critics and has been used as a way of examining how Whitman’s New York responded to an increasingly industrialised world.
Whitman also cleverly uses the poem to contrast the lives of his contemporaries with that of the rowing boatmen, who he describes as “Ocean-drifters… filling a heathenish oval with their murmurs.” Whitman’s use of language here has been seen to be a critique of the city’s state of affairs, as well as a way to show admiration for the boatmen, whom he recognises have unique and valuable perspectives.
The Influence
The influence of Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” has been widely felt since its publication, although it has seen some controversy over the years. The poem has been widely anthologised for use in school texts, but was often censored for a variety of reasons. One of the most controversial changes was the removal of the references to religion, which was considered to be too controversial for some readers.
The poem is also popular amongst today’s hip-hop and rap artists. It has been sampled by many artists, including Common, The Notorious B.I.G and Kanye West. Detractors argue that the use of Whitman’s poem by certain artists is disrespectful, while others argue that it is a way of honouring a great cultural figure whilst keeping his work alive to a new generation.
It is clear that Walt Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is a poem that has been loved and cherished for generations, and it is likely to continue to influence readers for years to come. Its influence can be seen in its use by academics, politicians and musicians alike, but the ultimate testament to its legacy is its sheer beauty and poignancy, which stands to be admired for evermore.
Interpretations
Despite its influence and popularity, critics have proposed a wide variety of interpretations of Whitman’s poem, from a straightforward celebration of the beauty of nature, to more philosophical readings of its deeper meanings. Some argue that its significance lies in the idea of an ongoing social and spiritual continuity, while others argue that it serves to reinforce the idea of the common good – of all people, regardless of their backgrounds, being united by a shared love for their city.
Critics have also argued that the poem reminds readers to appreciate the transience of life and to make the most of their days. Whitman’s intimate writing style has been praised for its ability to make readers feel like they are a part of his vision and his journey across the river – an experience which, while unique to him, is also timeless.
For many readers, Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is a poem that speaks to them on a personal level; one that is reflective of their own inner lives amidst the bustle of a large metropolitan city. It is a poem that can be read on many levels and is a powerful reminder that, no matter what our differences or backgrounds, we are all connected and united by a common bond.
Critical Reception
The critical reception of “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” has been overwhelmingly positive. The poem has been the subject of numerous scholarly studies, with many drawing from its spiritual, political and philosophical themes. It has been used in courses to teach poetry and Whitman’s ideas, and has been the basis for numerous musical and theatrical adaptations as well.
The poem is also popular among modern readers, who appreciate its timeless themes and its ability to capture the beauty of New York City and its citizens. For many, it serves as a fitting tribute to Whitman’s America, a place of hope and a source of inspiration for generation upon generation of New Yorkers.
As one of the most popular of Whitman’s works, “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is a perfect example of his skill as a wordsmith. Its ability to capture the transience of time while expressing the shared experiences of humanity has endeared it to readers over the years. It is a great demonstration of Whitman’s poetic strengths and his lasting influence.
The Legacy
Walt Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers all over the world. It has been the subject of critical analysis and debate, as well as academic scrutiny. But at its heart, it is a simple and elegant ode to the city of New York and its people. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and power of nature, as well as an expression of Whitman’s faith in humanity in the face of an ever-changing world.
The poem’s use of imagery and its careful structure serve to convey its themes clearly. It is a poem that speaks to different readers in different ways, from those looking to celebrate love for the city of New York, to those wanting to explore deeper philosophies about life and death. “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is a poem that will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.
Critical Analysis
Walt Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is one of the most iconic and frequently quoted American poems, and one which has been the subject of much critical analysis and admiration over the years. By combining religious and philosophical ideas with the imagery and transience of the river, Whitman manages to create a perfect blend of realism and romance – one which has captured the hearts of readers around the world.
The poem’s structure has been praised for its ability to capture the experience of ferry-crossing, as if the reader is travelling through the different parts of Whitman’s mind and soul. The poem speaks to a wide range of readers in different ways, whether it be imparting a sense of hope and a shared humanity, or simply providing an escape from the troubles of everyday life.
The poem also carries significant sociocultural messages, particularly in its use of language. Through his references to the boatmen, Whitman was able to provide a reflection of the state of New York, whilst also showing admiration for their unique experience. His use of imagery and symbolism has been used to great effect to capture the experience of travelling over the Brooklyn Ferry, and provide a spiritual, as well as physical, journey for the reader.
The lasting appeal of Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is a testament to its power and poignancy. It is a poem that speaks to the hearts of readers, providing an expression of our shared love of cities, nature and humanity. It is a poem that will continue to find resonance with generations to come, providing insight and comfort in a world ever-changing.
