When Breath Becomes Air Poem Walt Whitman

When Breath Becomes Air poem by Walt Whitman is a poem that talks of the fragility of life and the ultimate emptiness and futility of death. It was written in 1891 and was published in the 1904 edition of Leaves of Grass. The poem is divided into two sections, each with four verses. In the first section, Whitman compares life to a breath and death to a sin. He speaks of the suffering and pain that life can bring, and the sorrow that death brings when it comes. The second section is a beautiful reflection of the joys of life, and the unity that life brings. Whitman emphasizes the preciousness of life and the moments that should be cherished.

It is an emotive and beautiful poem that speaks to its readers. The poem speaks of the beauty of life and encourages readers to appreciate the finite time they have. The poem speaks to its readers about the fragility of life and encourages them to cherish each moment and make the most of it. The poem contains melancholic undertones that are juxtaposed against the joys of life as Whitman speaks of the interconnectedness of life and death.

The poem has been analysed by many literary critics and academics. The poem has been viewed as an expression of Whitman’s own spirituality and his belief in the interconnectedness of life and death. The tone of the poem is melancholic and speaks to its readers about the inevitability of death. Other critics have argued that the poem is a reflection of Whitman’s own mortality and his acceptance of his own death. Many of his contemporaries saw the poem as a beautiful expression of the human condition, with death seen as a fleeting moment in life but one that should be appreciated and appreciated deeply.

The poem has long been a favorite of many readers and students of poetry. Its simple and straightforward language is often praised and has been praised by some of the greatest poets of all time. Walt Whitman himself praised the poem and said that it was one of his best works. Many of his works were highly influential and widely read during his lifetime and posthumously, and this poem is no exception. The poem has been praised for its insight into the human condition and for its emotional impact. It speaks to its readers about the importance of cherishing life and making the most of it.

The poem has been widely referenced in literature and film. It has been used in books and movies, inspiring both writers and viewers. For example, it is featured prominently in the 2016 film “Passengers” and is featured in the 2017 film “The Dark Tower”. It has also been referenced in other works of literature, such as the novel “Island” by Aldous Huxley and “The Wind-up Bird Chronicle” by Haruki Murakami.

When Breath Becomes Air poem by Walt Whitman is an inspiring poem that speaks to its readers about life, death and the fragility of life itself. It has been widely praised and referenced in literature and film, and is a testament to Whitman’s powerful writing and insight into the human condition. It speaks to its readers about the preciousness of life and encourages them to cherish every moment.

The Poetic Devices Used By Walt Whitman

When Breath Becomes Air poem by Walt Whitman employs several poetic devices. It makes use of imagery, metaphors, and similes to evoke the emotions of the poem. The poem also employs personification to give life to the idea of death and for Whitman to express his own emotions about it. The poem also employs alliteration and repetition to emphasize various words and phrases throughout the poem.

The use of imagery throughout the poem helps to create vivid images and convey emotions. For example, “the heart of death pale and tremulous” gives an image of death as something fragile, and one that should be respected. Personification is also used in the poem; death is personified as having a heart. This gives us a sense of death as something that one should not fear, but should respect and be grateful for.

The use of metaphors and similes are also utilized in the poem, to help compare life and death. For example, Whitman compares life to a “frail breath” and death to a “sin”. This comparison gives a sense of the fleetingness of life and the pain associated with death. The use of repetition and alliteration also emphasizes the importance of certain lines and images. “Weeping and dreaming” and “life lingers” are both repeated throughout the poem and serve to create vivid images in the reader’s mind.

An Analysis Of The Poem

When Breath Becomes Air poem by Walt Whitman speaks to its readers from a deeply personal level. It is a reflection of Whitman’s own views on life and death, and his desire to appreciate both. The poem speaks of the joys and sorrows of life, and the inevitability of death. Death is seen as a part of life, and the poem encourages readers to make the most of their time and to cherish the moments they have.

The poem employs several poetic devices to evoke emotions. The use of imagery, metaphors, and similes help to create vivid images and express emotions. Whitman also makes use of personification and repetition to emphasize certain words and phrases. These devices help to create a powerful vision of life and death, and an appreciation for the fragility of life.

The poem is widely referenced and praised due to its powerful insights into the human condition. It speaks of life and death with both beauty and sadness, and encourages readers to make the most of their time. It is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of life and speaks to its readers on a deeply personal level.

The Impact Of The Poem On Society

When Breath Becomes Air poem by Walt Whitman has had a profound impact on society. It has been a source of inspiration to many writers and viewers and has been referenced in literature and film. The poem speaks to its readers about the importance of cherishing life and making the most of it. It speaks of death as a part of life, and encourages readers to accept it instead of fearing it.

The poem has also encouraged readers to embrace mortality and to appreciate each moment as it passes. It speaks to its readers about the preciousness of life and encourages them to make the most of their finite time. It is a powerful poem that has had a lasting impact on its readers and continues to be referenced in literature and film.

The poem has also impacted modern society in the way that people view life and death. It has inspired many readers to appreciate life and to make the most of their limited time. Many individuals have credited the poem with helping them to appreciate life in a way that they never before had. Whitman’s poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing life and making the most of it.

The Legacy Of The Poem

When Breath Becomes Air poem by Walt Whitman is a powerful poem that speaks to its readers about life and death. Its insights into the human condition and its deep appreciation for life have inspired many readers and viewers. Its impact on society has been profound, encouraging readers to make the most of their limited time, and to appreciate life instead of fearing death.

The poem has been referenced in literature and film, and its themes are still relevant today. The poem speaks to its readers about the importance of cherishing life and enjoying each moment to the fullest. The legacy of the poem is that it has encouraged its readers to make the most of their finite time and to appreciate life for the precious gift that it is.

Conclusion

When Breath Becomes Air poem by Walt Whitman is an inspiring poem that speaks to its readers about life and death. Its insights into the human condition and its deep appreciation for life have inspired many readers and viewers. Its impact on society has been profound, encouraging readers to make the most of their limited time, and to appreciate life instead of fearing death. The legacy of the poem is that it has encouraged its readers to make the most of their finite time and to appreciate life for the precious gift that it is.

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

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