When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd : Characters
When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd is a notable literary work by Walt Whitman. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd.
Characters
Characters
- The Speaker (Poetic Persona): He is the voice of the poem. He expresses deep sorrow at the death of Abraham Lincoln. At the same time, he realizes death as a part of the natural cycle and seeks consolation in that understanding.
- Abraham Lincoln (The Fallen Leader): Although his name is never directly mentioned, the entire poem is written for Lincoln. He was the President during the American Civil War and a symbol of freedom and unity. His death was an irreparable loss for the nation.
- The Lilac (Symbolic Character): The lilac flower is a symbol of memory and love. It carries the tribute to Lincoln and becomes a metaphor of beauty and eternity, even in the face of death.
- The Mourning America (Ordinary People): In the poem, the common American people also emerge as characters. They collectively express grief and hold Lincoln’s memory close to their hearts.