The city sleeps and the country sleeps, / The living sleep for their time....the dead sleep for their time, / The old husband sleeps by his wife and the young husband sleeps by his wife / And these one and all tend inward to me, and I tend outward to them, / And such as it is to be of these more or less I am.
Importance
This section follows an extremely long section about people doing things that typically relate to their identity (eg prostitutes dragging their clothing and a crowd of men laughing at them). Because each of the people described his completely unrelated to the previous person, this section is totally different. Whitman instead talks about people in relation to each other and the connectedness that binds them. Because the structure and theme is so different, the reader is forced to pay closer attention to it and that emphasizes Whitman's intention.
Analysis
Whitman utilizes parallel structure to give more emphasis to the connectedness of the humans he is describing. Instead of the random descriptions of human activity, these people are all bound by the common thread of humanity. In the last line, Whitman says "And such as it is to be of these more or less I am". By directly addressing himself, Whitman is no longer an independent observer but instead a part of them as well. Whitman also revisits the topic of life and death. Because the dead "sleep for a time", he is again denying that death is permanent. By saying the same thing in relation to life, he is also denying that life is permanent, showing the inherent equality of the two states.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Leaves of Grass 4
They are alive and well somewhere; / The smallest sprout shows there is really no death, / And if ever there was it led forward life, and does not wait at the end to arrest it, / And ceased the moment life appeared.
Importance
Following his discussion on his growing older and transition from a young man to an old one, or at least a middle aged one, Whitman dedicates a few passages to the confrontation of his own mortality. This progression from fear of getting older in previous sections to his acceptance, and yet simultaneous denial, of death shows the speaker's growth and increasing maturity. He thinks about death in an abstract fashion, so he is gaining the mental capacity of a rational adult instead of one of a child. Although he is growing older, he is growing wiser.
Analysis
Whitman is establishing a grass motif early on in the poem. He uses the existence of a blade of grass as proof against the idea of full and absolute death. The fact that he uses grass, one of the smallest visible life forms, for the metaphor shows his belief that life does not only exist in the complexity that is humanity but also the simplicity that is a single spear of grass. Previously in the poem, he talks about how grass is the "uncut hair of graves", so he could be saying that people live because their bodies fertilize the ground after they die, and lead to the production and nourishment of new life. Because death "lead forward life", he shows his understanding of the life cycle, that without death life cannot exist. However, its only purpose is to perpetuate life, because death "ceases the moment life appears". As soon as someone's legacy leads to the birth of something else, they are no longer dead but instead live inside that new creation.
Importance
Following his discussion on his growing older and transition from a young man to an old one, or at least a middle aged one, Whitman dedicates a few passages to the confrontation of his own mortality. This progression from fear of getting older in previous sections to his acceptance, and yet simultaneous denial, of death shows the speaker's growth and increasing maturity. He thinks about death in an abstract fashion, so he is gaining the mental capacity of a rational adult instead of one of a child. Although he is growing older, he is growing wiser.
Analysis
Whitman is establishing a grass motif early on in the poem. He uses the existence of a blade of grass as proof against the idea of full and absolute death. The fact that he uses grass, one of the smallest visible life forms, for the metaphor shows his belief that life does not only exist in the complexity that is humanity but also the simplicity that is a single spear of grass. Previously in the poem, he talks about how grass is the "uncut hair of graves", so he could be saying that people live because their bodies fertilize the ground after they die, and lead to the production and nourishment of new life. Because death "lead forward life", he shows his understanding of the life cycle, that without death life cannot exist. However, its only purpose is to perpetuate life, because death "ceases the moment life appears". As soon as someone's legacy leads to the birth of something else, they are no longer dead but instead live inside that new creation.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Leaves of Grass 3
Apart from pulling and hauling stands what I am, / Stands amused, complacent, compassionating, idle, unitary, / Looks down, is erect, bends an arm on an impalpable certain rest, / Looks with its sidecurved head curious what will come next, / Both in and out of the game, watching and wondering at it. / Backward I see in my own days where I sweated through fog with linguists and contenders, / I have no mockings or arguments....I witness and wait.
Importance
This is the end of the fifth part of "Song of Myself" and acts as a conclusion to Whitman's discussions on his fleeting youth. Previously, Whitman talks about the acceleration of culture when he mentions "the latest news....discoveries, inventions, societies....authors old and new." Because he talks about these things in despairing tone, he is showing his dismay with the passing of time and the aging of his body and mind. By ending the section with this stanza, he shows his desire to return to a time of innocence.
Analysis
Whitman refers to himself as a "what" in the first line, and uses the third person to describe himself in the lines after that. This shows detachment to his current state of being and a desire to think of himself only as a young man with a world of opportunities in front of him. He mentions looking backwards into his life, and that is, presumably, when he was happier. Although he made some mistakes (because they may deserve "mockings" by his current self), he still looks at that time in his life with a sense of nostalgia and happiness. Now, he is standing in the middle of the road and looks forward, curious for the upcoming experiences in his life. This curiosity is stated before he looks backward, so that shows his resistance to the passing of time yet he faces it with a consciousness of inevitability. He can delay all he wants (he is "idle"), but the future will come and he cannot rely on his complacency to progress.
Importance
This is the end of the fifth part of "Song of Myself" and acts as a conclusion to Whitman's discussions on his fleeting youth. Previously, Whitman talks about the acceleration of culture when he mentions "the latest news....discoveries, inventions, societies....authors old and new." Because he talks about these things in despairing tone, he is showing his dismay with the passing of time and the aging of his body and mind. By ending the section with this stanza, he shows his desire to return to a time of innocence.
Analysis
Whitman refers to himself as a "what" in the first line, and uses the third person to describe himself in the lines after that. This shows detachment to his current state of being and a desire to think of himself only as a young man with a world of opportunities in front of him. He mentions looking backwards into his life, and that is, presumably, when he was happier. Although he made some mistakes (because they may deserve "mockings" by his current self), he still looks at that time in his life with a sense of nostalgia and happiness. Now, he is standing in the middle of the road and looks forward, curious for the upcoming experiences in his life. This curiosity is stated before he looks backward, so that shows his resistance to the passing of time yet he faces it with a consciousness of inevitability. He can delay all he wants (he is "idle"), but the future will come and he cannot rely on his complacency to progress.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Leaves of Grass 2
As [the attributes of the poets] emit themselves facts are showered over with light....the daylight is lit with more volatile light....also the deep between the setting and rising sun goes deeper many fold.
Importance
The beginning of this book is dense, containing long sentences of an almost surreal nature that can be difficult for the reader to comprehend. This sentence, however, is relatively short, compared with the others, that makes it more noticeable. The reader is almost startled by the relative simplicity of the sentence and that shows its importance to the text. In addition, the content of the sentence shows Whitman's own adoration and reverence of poets and really exemplifies the overall theme of the book so far.
Analysis
The most obvious of the rhetorical devices in this line is the repetition of "light" and other light-related words. The image of light conveys purity, goodness, and positivity. These words, in this quote, are being associated with poets and their work, so Whitman does not hide his love for his occupation. Since "facts are showered with light", Whitman believes that poetry serves as a vehicle to articulate and critique human truths and the human condition. Without poetry, Whitman argues, humans would not see their true nature or in fact themselves. However, the "deep between the setting and rising sun" deepens, meaning the nighttime gets darker. This could mean that, during times without poetry or important literature, the social climate is much worse than it would have been had poetry never existed.
Importance
The beginning of this book is dense, containing long sentences of an almost surreal nature that can be difficult for the reader to comprehend. This sentence, however, is relatively short, compared with the others, that makes it more noticeable. The reader is almost startled by the relative simplicity of the sentence and that shows its importance to the text. In addition, the content of the sentence shows Whitman's own adoration and reverence of poets and really exemplifies the overall theme of the book so far.
Analysis
The most obvious of the rhetorical devices in this line is the repetition of "light" and other light-related words. The image of light conveys purity, goodness, and positivity. These words, in this quote, are being associated with poets and their work, so Whitman does not hide his love for his occupation. Since "facts are showered with light", Whitman believes that poetry serves as a vehicle to articulate and critique human truths and the human condition. Without poetry, Whitman argues, humans would not see their true nature or in fact themselves. However, the "deep between the setting and rising sun" deepens, meaning the nighttime gets darker. This could mean that, during times without poetry or important literature, the social climate is much worse than it would have been had poetry never existed.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Leaves of Grass: 1
Liberty relies upon itself, invites no one, promises nothing, sits in calmness and light, is positive and composed, and knows no discouragement.
Importance
This quote emphasizes the importance that Whitman gives to the freedom of speech. The first 30 or so pages of Leaves of Grass are filled with seemingly strange, almost stream-of-consciousness sentences about the inherent poetry in human nature, and Whitman, by addressing liberty in such a way, shows that liberty is equally inherent in people. That being said, he also is explaining that in order to keep liberty, one must actively want it because it "relies upon itself"; it must be fought for to be readily available. He wants to stress the fact that Americans must be actively involved in government and their natural rights.
Analysis
Whitman uses personification in this quote to give liberty a human quality to it, which exemplifies the fact that it is indeed a natural part of humanity. By giving liberty a personality that is not passive ("promises nothing," "invites no one") Whitman states his opinion that in order to maintain their natural rights, Americans cannot just expect to have them but instead show their desire for them. This desire, however, must be expressed peacefully because liberty itself is calm and positive. The qualities that Whitman gives liberty are qualities that he wants to see mirrored in the American people, because in this case, he believes that liberty and Americans are one in the same.
Importance
This quote emphasizes the importance that Whitman gives to the freedom of speech. The first 30 or so pages of Leaves of Grass are filled with seemingly strange, almost stream-of-consciousness sentences about the inherent poetry in human nature, and Whitman, by addressing liberty in such a way, shows that liberty is equally inherent in people. That being said, he also is explaining that in order to keep liberty, one must actively want it because it "relies upon itself"; it must be fought for to be readily available. He wants to stress the fact that Americans must be actively involved in government and their natural rights.
Analysis
Whitman uses personification in this quote to give liberty a human quality to it, which exemplifies the fact that it is indeed a natural part of humanity. By giving liberty a personality that is not passive ("promises nothing," "invites no one") Whitman states his opinion that in order to maintain their natural rights, Americans cannot just expect to have them but instead show their desire for them. This desire, however, must be expressed peacefully because liberty itself is calm and positive. The qualities that Whitman gives liberty are qualities that he wants to see mirrored in the American people, because in this case, he believes that liberty and Americans are one in the same.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Diomedes, expert in war cries, killed Axylus, / son of Teuthras, a rich man, from well-built Arisbe. / People really loved him, for he lived beside a road / and welcomed all passers-by into his home. / But not one of those men he’d entertained now stood / in front of him, protecting him from wretched death.
Importance
This is an example of the Greek state of mind. Diomedes is continuing his relentless assault on the Trojan army and is killing people know for their good looks, popularity, and high rank. He is showing his lack of value in earthly pleasures because he does not respect his victims' place in their own society. This battle scene is a little long winded, but Homer keeps the reader interested by describing the Trojans' lives before they were killed at the hands of Diomedes. This personality that Home injects into the scene makes the victims more rounded characters instead of just flatly "evil" like one would expect.
Analysis
The phrasing of this quote, especially the last two lines, seems almost sarcastic, which maybe shows Homer's own views on the huge parties that the ancients were known for throwing. Even the Achaeans, with whom we're supposed to sympathize, did not spare an expense for the entertainment of their guests, but Homer's tone shows so much disdain that it cannot be ignored. He is making a comment on the uselessness of fairweather or superficial friends, because although they will come to your parties and drink your wine and bring you gifts, they are meaningless because they would not come to your side when you are about to die.
Importance
This is an example of the Greek state of mind. Diomedes is continuing his relentless assault on the Trojan army and is killing people know for their good looks, popularity, and high rank. He is showing his lack of value in earthly pleasures because he does not respect his victims' place in their own society. This battle scene is a little long winded, but Homer keeps the reader interested by describing the Trojans' lives before they were killed at the hands of Diomedes. This personality that Home injects into the scene makes the victims more rounded characters instead of just flatly "evil" like one would expect.
Analysis
The phrasing of this quote, especially the last two lines, seems almost sarcastic, which maybe shows Homer's own views on the huge parties that the ancients were known for throwing. Even the Achaeans, with whom we're supposed to sympathize, did not spare an expense for the entertainment of their guests, but Homer's tone shows so much disdain that it cannot be ignored. He is making a comment on the uselessness of fairweather or superficial friends, because although they will come to your parties and drink your wine and bring you gifts, they are meaningless because they would not come to your side when you are about to die.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Outside Reading Post 5
...[Diomedes] threw his spear. Athena guided it / straight to Pandarus' nose, directly by the eyes. / It smashed through his white teeth. The tireless bronze / sliced through his tongue at the root, coming out his chin, / right at the tip...
Importance
This quote exemplifies the role of the gods in mythological Greek life. They do not let the mortals be and let the chips fall where they may, but instead get fully involved in the affairs of man, even going so far as to influence the outcome of battles and wars. This is a theme that is used throughout the book and explains some of the more outlandish acts of the Greeks because they believe they have no role in their own fate.
Analysis
This quote, in addition to showing how gods interfered with earthly affairs, shows the violence of Greek culture. Diomedes, a hero of the Achaean army, violently kills a member of the opposing force. This, I assume, was meant to highlight the achievements of Diomedes as a skilled warrior, but to my 21st century eyes, it seemed a little like overkill and a little too brutal for me to completely respect Diomedes as a soldier. The description of the Trojan's teeth as "white" shows the disrespect for vanity that Diomedes had. Pandarus, who maybe took great care in keeping his teeth white, was now dead where white teeth didn't matter. This is a mirror of the battle between Agamemnon and Paris; Agamemnon was a soldier who had no value for his appearance, while Paris was a foolish boy who had nothing but his good looks.
Importance
This quote exemplifies the role of the gods in mythological Greek life. They do not let the mortals be and let the chips fall where they may, but instead get fully involved in the affairs of man, even going so far as to influence the outcome of battles and wars. This is a theme that is used throughout the book and explains some of the more outlandish acts of the Greeks because they believe they have no role in their own fate.
Analysis
This quote, in addition to showing how gods interfered with earthly affairs, shows the violence of Greek culture. Diomedes, a hero of the Achaean army, violently kills a member of the opposing force. This, I assume, was meant to highlight the achievements of Diomedes as a skilled warrior, but to my 21st century eyes, it seemed a little like overkill and a little too brutal for me to completely respect Diomedes as a soldier. The description of the Trojan's teeth as "white" shows the disrespect for vanity that Diomedes had. Pandarus, who maybe took great care in keeping his teeth white, was now dead where white teeth didn't matter. This is a mirror of the battle between Agamemnon and Paris; Agamemnon was a soldier who had no value for his appearance, while Paris was a foolish boy who had nothing but his good looks.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Outside Reading Post 4
Next Diomedes killed two sons of Dardan Priam / careening on in a single car, Echemmon and Chromius / As a lion charges cattle, calves, and heifers / browsing the deep glades and snaps their necks, so Tydides pitched them both from the chariot, / gave them a mauling--gave them little choice-- / quickly stripped their gear and passed their team / to his men to lash back to the ships.
Importance
This shows the ruthlessness of the Achaean army. Diomedes is so bloodthirsty and eager to prove himself that he does not care about the people he is killing. This shows a turning point in the Trojan War. Previously, the two armies were basically tied and neither was winning, but now the strength of Diomedes represents how the Greeks are now pulling ahead of the Trojans. Because of this, we know that the war will be over soon and the Greeks will be the victors.
Analysis
Homer specifically mentions the lives of soldiers that are being killed. He talks about their family members and who their fathers were, and this ads a note of personality to them. Instead of being anonymous dead Trojans, readers are made the feel sympathy and compassion toward them. This is interesting because one would think that Homer would strive to make the Trojans seem like evil people but the humanity that he gives them adds realism to the scene.
Importance
This shows the ruthlessness of the Achaean army. Diomedes is so bloodthirsty and eager to prove himself that he does not care about the people he is killing. This shows a turning point in the Trojan War. Previously, the two armies were basically tied and neither was winning, but now the strength of Diomedes represents how the Greeks are now pulling ahead of the Trojans. Because of this, we know that the war will be over soon and the Greeks will be the victors.
Analysis
Homer specifically mentions the lives of soldiers that are being killed. He talks about their family members and who their fathers were, and this ads a note of personality to them. Instead of being anonymous dead Trojans, readers are made the feel sympathy and compassion toward them. This is interesting because one would think that Homer would strive to make the Trojans seem like evil people but the humanity that he gives them adds realism to the scene.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Outside Reading Post 3
Now, though,/if you really want me to fight to the finish here,/have all Trojans and Argives take their seats/and pit me against Menelaus dear to Ares-/right between the lines-/we'll fight it out for Helen and all her wealth./And the one who proves the better man and wins,/he'll take those treasures fairly, lead the woman home./The rest will seal in blood their binding pacts of friendship./Our people will live in peace on the rich soil of Troy,/our enemies sail home to the stallion-land of Argos,/the land of Achaea where the women are a wonder.
Importance
This quote is said by Paris to Hector when planning the next stage of battle. Finally, Paris and Menelaus, the leaders of opposing armies, would meet and fight for Helen once and for all. Because the Trojan war had been going on for nine years at this point (it was completed after a total of ten), the soldiers in each army were probably pleased to hear that they wouldn't have to do any fighting in this battle. In fact, Paris specified that the two armies would have to promise friendship with each other, so even though one of the leaders was bound to lose and therefore be killed, the overall outcome for the relationship between the two was positive.
Analysis
Because this is Paris speaking, some of the words that he chooses demonstrates his inherent arrogant nature. Just the idea that Paris is willing to face the mighty Menelaus without any help shows an extensive amount of narcissism on his part. Menelaus is constantly described as being a great leader, a great king, and a great warrior, but Paris is apparently only blessed with god-like good looks, which probably wouldn't have much of an effect on Menelaus. Also, the fact that this entire war was over a woman, the argument between Achilles and Agammemnon was over women, and Paris considers women to be a prize of some sort shows that women were not regarded highly in Greek culture. Although there are female gods, they are nothing when compared to the might of Zeus and Apollo. In addition, all the problems in the Iliad seem to arise from women. This idea that women were inferior was rectified in The Odyssey when Penelope is shown to be a wise and strong woman. The misogynistic nature of this part of the book, however, cannot be ignored.
Importance
This quote is said by Paris to Hector when planning the next stage of battle. Finally, Paris and Menelaus, the leaders of opposing armies, would meet and fight for Helen once and for all. Because the Trojan war had been going on for nine years at this point (it was completed after a total of ten), the soldiers in each army were probably pleased to hear that they wouldn't have to do any fighting in this battle. In fact, Paris specified that the two armies would have to promise friendship with each other, so even though one of the leaders was bound to lose and therefore be killed, the overall outcome for the relationship between the two was positive.
Analysis
Because this is Paris speaking, some of the words that he chooses demonstrates his inherent arrogant nature. Just the idea that Paris is willing to face the mighty Menelaus without any help shows an extensive amount of narcissism on his part. Menelaus is constantly described as being a great leader, a great king, and a great warrior, but Paris is apparently only blessed with god-like good looks, which probably wouldn't have much of an effect on Menelaus. Also, the fact that this entire war was over a woman, the argument between Achilles and Agammemnon was over women, and Paris considers women to be a prize of some sort shows that women were not regarded highly in Greek culture. Although there are female gods, they are nothing when compared to the might of Zeus and Apollo. In addition, all the problems in the Iliad seem to arise from women. This idea that women were inferior was rectified in The Odyssey when Penelope is shown to be a wise and strong woman. The misogynistic nature of this part of the book, however, cannot be ignored.
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Iliad Week 2
You fool- sit still! Obey the commands of others,/your superiors-you, you deserter, rank coward,/you count for nothing, neither in war nor council./How can all Achaeans be masters in Troy?/Too many kings can ruin an army-mob rule!/Let there be one commander, one master only,/endowed by the son of crooked-minded Cronus/with kingly-scepter and royal rights of custom:/whatever one man needs to lead his people well.
Importance
This quote, said by Odysseus to a dissenter, shows how, in Book 2, the self-destructive Achaeans finally put their petty differences aside and decide to fight for the common goal of retrieving Helen from Troy. Odysseus, who is a king himself, knows the importance of one single leader in a situation such as a war, so this represents the abandonment of personal vendettas against each other and the unification of the Achaean army.
Analysis
In this quote, the normally headstrong, arrogant, "godlike" Odysseus exhibits the militaristic might for which he is famous. Even though he is used to leading people and not used to following the orders of others, Odysseus realizes that it is not his place to lead the army. Because "too many kings can ruin an army", Odysseus takes a more submissive role. This inflexible system of rank and superiority ("Obey the commands of others,/your superiors...") is easily identifiable and shows the historical Greek system of organization.
Importance
This quote, said by Odysseus to a dissenter, shows how, in Book 2, the self-destructive Achaeans finally put their petty differences aside and decide to fight for the common goal of retrieving Helen from Troy. Odysseus, who is a king himself, knows the importance of one single leader in a situation such as a war, so this represents the abandonment of personal vendettas against each other and the unification of the Achaean army.
Analysis
In this quote, the normally headstrong, arrogant, "godlike" Odysseus exhibits the militaristic might for which he is famous. Even though he is used to leading people and not used to following the orders of others, Odysseus realizes that it is not his place to lead the army. Because "too many kings can ruin an army", Odysseus takes a more submissive role. This inflexible system of rank and superiority ("Obey the commands of others,/your superiors...") is easily identifiable and shows the historical Greek system of organization.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Outside Reading Post 1: The Iliad
...And Thetis did not forget her son's appeals./She broke from a cresting wave at first light/and souring up to the broad sky and Mount Olympus,/found the son of Cronus gazing down on the world,/peaks apart from the other gods and seated high/on the topmost crown of rugged ridged Olympus....she prayed to the lord god Zeus, son of Cronus./"Zeus, Father Zeus! If I ever have served you well/among the deathless gods with a word or action/bring this prayer to pass: honor my son Achilles!-/doomed to the shortest life of any man on earth./And now the lord of men Agamemnon has disgraced him,/seizes and keeps his prize, tears her away himself. But you-/exalt him, Olympian Zeus: your urgings rule the world!/Come, grant the Trojans victory after victory/till the Achaean armies pay my dear son back,/building higher the honor he deserves!
Importance
This passage shows the extremely close relationship between the mortals and the gods. Achilles, the song of a mortal and a goddess, has trouble within his army because of an almost immature argument with Agamemnon. To get help, he goes to his mother, Thetis, who promises to bring the matter up with Zeus. The fact that a mortal man can have his mother communicate with Zeus in his favor exemplifies the importance of religion in ancient Greek life.
Analysis
Thetis, a goddess of the sea, is often associated with water or is shown exiting from the water, which is an epithet given to her as it is given to all important characters. Because Homer mentions this often, not only were the immortals important, but the allocation of their domains was important as well. Book 1's theme is that of rage and anger. Achilles is very proud, very headstrong, and currently very enraged, so Thetis relays that when talking with Zeus. She uses phrases like "disgraced" when discussing Achilles' plight in order to show the intensity with which Achilles views Agamemnon's insults.
Importance
This passage shows the extremely close relationship between the mortals and the gods. Achilles, the song of a mortal and a goddess, has trouble within his army because of an almost immature argument with Agamemnon. To get help, he goes to his mother, Thetis, who promises to bring the matter up with Zeus. The fact that a mortal man can have his mother communicate with Zeus in his favor exemplifies the importance of religion in ancient Greek life.
Analysis
Thetis, a goddess of the sea, is often associated with water or is shown exiting from the water, which is an epithet given to her as it is given to all important characters. Because Homer mentions this often, not only were the immortals important, but the allocation of their domains was important as well. Book 1's theme is that of rage and anger. Achilles is very proud, very headstrong, and currently very enraged, so Thetis relays that when talking with Zeus. She uses phrases like "disgraced" when discussing Achilles' plight in order to show the intensity with which Achilles views Agamemnon's insults.
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