When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer by Walt Whitman Analysis
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer by Walt Whitman is a poem about a person’s encounter with a scientist. The narrator is filled with awe and admiration at the complicated and beautiful calculations that the astronomer is making. He is taken away from his everyday life and into a place of wonder and appreciation for the world’s complexities. This poem is an exploration of the beauty found in nature, and in what can be discovered if one only looks. This poem sheds light on the power of knowledge, as well as capturing a moment of profound inspiration.
The poem is divided into two stanzas, each with its own theme. The first stanza focuses on the narrator’s appreciation for the astronomer’s work. He is overwhelmed by the calculations and the knowledge that is being put to use. He is captivated and moved by the experience, describing his awe as a “heav’nly overwhelming sight.” It is clear that the narrator is in awe of the astronomer’s skill and knowledge, as well as feeling a sense of intimacy with the nature that the astronomer is studying. He is also struck by the idea that his life and everyday worries do not matter in the face of the grandeur of the universe.
The second stanza shifts to focus on the power of knowledge. The astronomer’s work is described as “sublime,” showing the awe that the narrator has for the quantity of knowledge that the astronomer possesses. The narrator is also in awe of the intellectual strength it takes to comprehend and manipulate the information the astronomer is working with. The narrator seems to be in awe of the idea of knowledge, which he sees as being able to manipulate the physical world to the observer’s will. What is interesting is that the narrator is not in awe of human intellect, but rather the power of knowledge in and of itself.
The language and structure of the poem helps to convey the narrator’s feelings and sense of awe towards the astronomer and his work. The poem is composed of iambic pentameter, with the meter and rhyme scheme serving to emphasize the key ideas and emotions of the poem. This helps to add to the sense of formal beauty, which enhances the narrator’s admiration for the astronomer. The use of language is also important, with the use of biblical words such as “heav’nly” and “sublime” connoting a sense of respect and admiration for the astronomer’s work.
The imagery used in the poem helps to capture the wonder and admiration the narrator feels. Nature is described as “infinite and holy,” showing the narrator’s admiration and respect for the beauty of the nature that the astronomer is studying. There is also an emphasis on the idea of a bridge to nature, with the narrator describing the astronomer as creating a bridge between himself and the heavens. This shows the idea of knowledge being a bridge to understanding the mysteries of the world.
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer by Walt Whitman is a poem about a personal transformation. The narrator experiences awe and inspiration from the astronomer’s work, which leads to a realization that his everyday concerns and worries do not matter compared to the grandeur of the universe. Through the use of meter, language, and imagery, Walt Whitman captures the power of knowledge, and the beauty to be found in nature and the universe.
Comparable Works
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer is often compared to other works by Walt Whitman, such as Song of Myself, in that both poems express similar themes. Like When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer, Song of Myself focuses on the power of knowledge and the beauty of the world. The imagery used in both poems are also very similar, with both poems describing nature as something majestic and awe-inspiring. Thus, it could be argued that both poems share a common theme of appreciating the grandeur of nature and understanding the power of knowledge.
The works of Ralph Waldo Emerson also share similarities with this poem. Emerson was a philosopher who believed that the individual holds the key to knowledge and understanding. In his essay Nature, Emerson states that the individual must look inward to find truth, and to understand themselves and the world around them. This idea can also be seen in When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer, with the narrator seeing the astronomer’s work as a bridge between himself and nature. Thus, it can be argued that both works express a similar theme of looking inward to find understanding and knowledge.
The works of Percy Shelley also share similarities with When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer. His poem Ozymandias expresses the idea that no matter how great and powerful one may become, their power will eventually be destroyed and forgotten. This idea is also seen in the poem, with the narrator understanding that no matter how powerful and knowledgeable the astronomer may be, he too will eventually be forgotten. Thus, it can be argued that both works express a common theme of how life is fleeting and no matter one’s successes and achievements, in the end, we all fade away.
Critical Reception & Legacy
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer has been praised for its ability to capture the wonder and awe one feels when encountering something beautiful in nature. The poem has been described as a “great insight into a higher truth,” highlighting how it is able to capture a moment of insight that can be found in life. It has also been seen as a representation of Whitman’s views of nature and knowledge, as well as his admiration for the power of the individual. The poem has also been seen as a representation of the power of nature, and how its beauty can inspire us to greater heights of understanding.
The poem has also been criticized for being too idealistic and sentimental. Its sentimentality has been seen as detracting from the poem’s overall impact, with some critics arguing that the poem falls short in conveying the true power and beauty of nature. Others have also argued that the poem is too focused on the individual, rather than representing a more universal experience.
Despite the criticism, When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer has become a beloved poem and one of Walt Whitman’s most well-known works. It has been part of the American school curriculum for decades, and is seen as a classic example of how to capture the power of a moment and express it through poetry. It is also a testament to how appreciation for beauty and knowledge can inspire us to reach for a better and more profound understanding of the world.
Origin & Context
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer was written by the renowned American poet Walt Whitman in 1867. It was one of the poems included in his anthology Leaves of Grass, which established him as one of the most influential writers of his time. The poem was written during a time where America as a nation was coming to terms with its past and beginning to focus on its future. This was a time of great turmoil and conflict, with the nation divided both politically and socially. Thus, it could be argued that the poem was Whitman’s expression of hope and inspiration during a difficult time.
The poem was also written during a time of scientific and intellectual progress. Astronomy, in particular, had experienced many advances in the preceding decades, with new scientific discoveries being made. Thus, it could be argued that the poem was Whitman’s expression of admiration for scientific progress, as well as an acknowledgement of the importance of understanding the world around us and using knowledge for the betterment of humanity.
Another factor to consider when interpreting the poem is the fact that Whitman was deeply inspired by transcendentalist philosophy. Transcendentalism is a philosophy that stresses the importance of looking inward to find understanding and peace. It was also believed that nature was a source of wisdom, as well as being a symbol of the interconnectedness of all things. This, in turn, could be an explanation for why the poet expresses such admiration for the astronomer in the poem.
Influence on the Poetry Community
Since its release, When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer has inspired countless poets, both in the United States and around the world. The poem’s focus on the power of knowledge, as well as its message of appreciation for the beauty to be found in nature, has served as an inspiration for many writers. The poem has also been used as an example of how to capture a moment of awe and inspiration in a poem. Its structure and imagery have also been noted by many writers, who have used aspects of Whitman’s technique in their own works.
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer has also been used as an example of how to capture the power of a moment and express it through poetry. Its focus on the power of knowledge, as well as its admiration for the wonders of the natural world, have served as an inspiration to many. Furthermore, the poem is seen as a testament to Walt Whitman’s skill as a poet, with many writers lauding his use of language, meter, and imagery to capture a moment of profound insight.
The influence of When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer can also be seen in other literary works, in particular those of the modernist and postmodernist movements. In particular, the poem has had a strong influence on the works of poets such as T.S. Eliot, Robert Frost, and W.H. Auden. These poets have been drawn to the poem’s ability to capture the beauty of nature, as well as it being a representation of the modern human experience. Thus, it could be argued that When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer has served as an important inspiration to the poetry community, and has left an enduring legacy.
