How does Whitman describe the beauty of his “Own Manhattan?”
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Answer
How does Whitman describe the beauty of his “Own Manhattan?” [NU: 2022]
In “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” (1865), Walt Whitman (1819-1892) mixes his grief with pictures of America. He describes the natural beauty and busy life of his country. He does this to show that all of America is grieving for the dead president, Abraham Lincoln. He also describes his “own Manhattan,” the city he lived in and admired.
Buildings, Tides, and Ships: At first, Whitman calls his country a land of “body and soul.” His country is alive and active. Then, Whitman describes his own city, Manhattan. He describes it as a beautiful city with tall buildings. He also sees the ocean tides and the busy ships.
My own Manhattan with spires…
hurrying tides, and the ships.”
Manhattan’s Surroundings: Whitman also describes the beauty of Manhattan’s surroundings. He sees the lands of the North and South. He sees the Ohio River and the Missouri River, both shining in the sunlight. He also sees the wide prairies (grasslands). The prairies are full of green grass and golden corn. He describes this beauty in the following manner:
“And ever the far-spreading prairies cover’d with grass and corn.”
Whitman does not stop at the city only. He also describes its surroundings to connect Manhattan with the whole country.
Sun and Sky: Whitman turns his eyes to the sun and the sky. He calls the sun “the most excellent sun.” The sun is calm and bright. In the morning, the sky becomes purple. Soft breezes blow. The sun shines everywhere. In the evening, the light grows softer and more beautiful. Then, the night arrives with stars. These stars shine over all his cities and people.
To sum up, Whitman beautifully describes his “own Manhattan” and its natural surroundings: the ships, tides, prairies, rivers, and skies. He also connects his city to the whole country.