Whitty Whitman
Step 1:
When going through Whitman's notebook, I noticed his concern with the divide that was growing (and still continues to grow) in the United States. With this concern on his mind, he developed a "third religion" embracing “that which is not conscience, but against it,”. I believe this gives insight to Whitman's inner thoughts that he wants humanity to come together and create a third party so the divide in politics to be so great. This concept of saving America from ruin is found in one of this letters to the Congress where he writes, "“We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth,”. Here you can see that Whitman believes that the success of the United States is to be the last hope for the world because it is the leader of the free world. You can also gain insight to Whitman's thoughts on the two possibilities that could arise from the turbulent political time he was living in at the time. America could either come together and save themselves or meanly lose to those who won't meet any compromise.
Step 2:
After examining the notes I found that I was mostly correct with the idea that he came up with the idea of another religion to close the divide in the United States. However, I discovered that the document that discussed the "reconciliation of religion" also may be an attempt to keep even slaveholders in the fold, as in some of his other writings. This falls along into the historical context of the civil war and when Abraham Lincoln was fighting to free slaves. In addition when reading the notes I came across the information that, Whitman originally began the last line on this notebook page with “I shall see the crash,” but then, on second thought, inserted perhaps – allowing his nation a slender hope of avoiding the looming cataclysm. This further approves my assertion that Whitman was hopeful with the future of the world.
When going through Whitman's notebook, I noticed his concern with the divide that was growing (and still continues to grow) in the United States. With this concern on his mind, he developed a "third religion" embracing “that which is not conscience, but against it,”. I believe this gives insight to Whitman's inner thoughts that he wants humanity to come together and create a third party so the divide in politics to be so great. This concept of saving America from ruin is found in one of this letters to the Congress where he writes, "“We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth,”. Here you can see that Whitman believes that the success of the United States is to be the last hope for the world because it is the leader of the free world. You can also gain insight to Whitman's thoughts on the two possibilities that could arise from the turbulent political time he was living in at the time. America could either come together and save themselves or meanly lose to those who won't meet any compromise.
Step 2:
After examining the notes I found that I was mostly correct with the idea that he came up with the idea of another religion to close the divide in the United States. However, I discovered that the document that discussed the "reconciliation of religion" also may be an attempt to keep even slaveholders in the fold, as in some of his other writings. This falls along into the historical context of the civil war and when Abraham Lincoln was fighting to free slaves. In addition when reading the notes I came across the information that, Whitman originally began the last line on this notebook page with “I shall see the crash,” but then, on second thought, inserted perhaps – allowing his nation a slender hope of avoiding the looming cataclysm. This further approves my assertion that Whitman was hopeful with the future of the world.
Hey Harris! I thought it was interesting how you came to the conclusion that Whitman is possibly trying to focus on politics, because I did not think of politics at all I don't think. I thought your "Step 1" over the surface was very insightful from just your first run through. Your analysis in step 2 is also accurate and interesting because Whitman is very hopeful in his writing usually. In my post I mainly discussed how the language was laid out, but you mainly discussed the content and context so this developed my interest in Whitman even further. Woo good job!
ReplyDeleteHarris <3 I really enjoyed reading your blog. I like how in step one you went straight to your observations about the content within his notebook. When I did this, I really focused on the condition his notebook was in, and the different things on the page that I saw. I also didn't really notice at first the political and religious things he was writing about at first, so I think it's really cool that it was one of the first things you pointed out. I also really liked how you focused on the divide of the United States at the time.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a good post! I really like that you talked about Whitman's personal view of the US as leader of the free world and how that brings a sort of responsibility of action to unite the growing divide. I think your point about the inclusion of slaveholders was interesting because it shows that Whitman truly wanted everyone to feel included. Great job!!
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you talked about how Whitman did not like the division that existed among Americans. I think this is really shown throughout his poems by emphasizing that individuals are stronger together, and the "brotherhood." I think this really encompasses who Whitman is and the beliefs he holds closest. Good job:)
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