Whitman as a Mystic Poet

Answer

Write a note on Whitman as a mystic poet with special reference to his poem “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d.”

A mystic poet explores spiritual truths and the more profound mysteries of existence through poetry. Walt Whitman (1819-1892), one of America’s most celebrated poets, is often considered a mystic poet. His work reflects a profound connection with the spiritual aspects of life. In his elegy “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” (1865), Whitman’s mystic qualities are evident as he contemplates death, the soul, and the eternal life cycle.

The Mystic Connection Between Life and Death: In his “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d,” Whitman presents death as not an end but a transition to another state of being. This idea is central to his mystic vision, where death is seen as a natural and beautiful part of life. The poem’s recurring symbol of the lilac, which blooms every spring, represents the eternal renewal of life. It suggests that life and death are part of an ongoing cycle. Whitman writes, 

Ever-returning spring, trinity sure to me you bring,

Here, the “ever-returning spring” symbolizes the continuity of life, even after death.

The Star as a Symbol of the Soul: Whitman’s mysticism is also evident in his use of the star as a symbol of the soul. The “drooping star” appearing in the western sky represents the soul’s journey after death. The star’s descent from the heavens mirrors the passing of a life, yet its presence in the night sky. Whitman writes, 

O powerful western fallen star!

O shades of night—O moody, tearful night!

These lines reflect Whitman’s belief in the soul’s enduring presence, even after death has claimed the physical body.

The Bird as a Mystic Guide: The hermit thrush is a mystic guide in the poem. Its song, described as “death’s outlet song of life,” provides comfort and wisdom to the speaker. The bird’s connection to death is not one of fear but of acceptance and understanding. Whitman’s depiction of the bird’s song suggests that death is not something to be feared but embraced as part of the natural order. He writes,

O singer bashful and tender, I hear your notes, I hear your call,

The bird’s song is a spiritual message. It guides the speaker to a deeper understanding of death as a natural transition.

Unity of the Physical and Spiritual Worlds: Whitman’s mysticism is further expressed in his portrayal of the physical and spiritual worlds as interconnected. In the poem, the physical symbols of the lilac, the star, and the bird are imbued with spiritual significance. This blending of the physical and spiritual reflects Whitman’s belief in the unity of all things. He writes, 

And the tallying chant, the echo arous’d in my soul,

Here, the physical symbols are not separate from the spiritual; rather they are manifestations of it.

The Mystical Journey of the Soul: The poem reflects Whitman’s belief in the soul’s journey after death. Whitman’s mystic vision sees the soul as continuing beyond the physical world and moving toward a higher state of being. He writes,

Passing the visions, passing the night,

Passing, unloosing the hold of my comrades’ hands,

These lines suggest the soul’s journey beyond earthly life, guided by spiritual insights.

In termination, Walt Whitman’s “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” exemplifies his mystic approach to poetry. His ability to connect the physical and spiritual realms through his poetry offers readers a deep and comforting understanding of life’s mysteries. So, we can say Walt Whitman is the best Mystic poet.