When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd : Literary devices
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.
Literary devices
Symbols
- Lilac: The lilac flower is a symbol of love, mourning, and memory. The poet places lilacs on the coffin as a gesture of bidding farewell to the dead leader with love and respect.
- Western Fallen Star: This symbolizes the death of Abraham Lincoln. The falling of the star represents the fall of a great leader.
- Hermit Thrush Bird: This bird symbolizes the poet’s deep grief and lamentation. Its song sounds like the cry of the poet’s soul.
- Coffin: The coffin is a symbol of death and the funeral journey. It also represents the eternal farewell from human life.
- Dark Mother (Death): Whitman addresses death as the “Dark Mother.” This presents death not as something fearful, but as a calm and eternal mother figure.
- Chant of My Soul: This symbolizes the poet’s personal grief and emotion. The chant of the soul blends with the whole elegy of mourning.
Main Message
- Death is not an end, but a journey.
- Love and memory keep the dead alive.
- Nature heals human sorrow.
- Great leaders live forever in people’s hearts.