Nick
When
reading poetry from Walt Whitman the reader has to consider and keep in mind
the period in which his works were written. Some of his poems can be a
challenge to read and also difficult to comprehend due to language of the times
and writing style, but that is what sets Whitman apart from other poetry
writers. His unconventional and exceptional take on humanism and how he draws
from his own life experience, which allows readers a unique insight and
connection to Whitman’s life that is not normally present with most poets.
My
favorite poem from Walt Whitman is “The Wound Dresser” because this was the one
poem in which I felt Whitman drew the most experience from his own life,
because he just like the main character in the poem helped tend to the wounded
in battle during the Civil War. In the fifth stanza Whitman explains the mind
set of the main character while in the mist of the wounded pilling in by
stating, “ I am firm with each, the pangs are sharp yet unavoidable, one turns
to me his appealing eyes, poor boy! I never knew you, yet I think I could not
refuse this moment to die for you, if that would save you.” To me this was the
emotional climax of the poem because it shows both selflessness and bravery.
Also, it exhibits the best of qualities that people are capable of showing and
in general have to offer. Another reason I really enjoy this poem is because
of the in depth detail that
Whitman expresses throughout the poem from the setting to the determination of
the main character and that is why I think “The wound Dresser” is Walt
Whitman’s finest work.
My
least favorite poem by Walt Whitman is called “Ambition” and is about less than
fortunate young man who keeps to him self and dreams about one day making his
name world famous. While dreaming the young man comes across a mystical figure
from the clouds that warns him about the dangers having such a dream. The
reason I don’t care for this poem is because the theme of the poem just simply
not very interesting and it seemed as if the poem gaining any kind of momentum.
I would have like to have seen some kind of twist in the poem to liven it up a
bit and maybe a little bit more emotion out of the main character. The poem however, it does teach a valid lesson that it’s
okay dream, but whatever that dream may be
it might not be all that it seems. Which is symbolic to any person who strives
for anything in life.
