Write a Note on Whitman’s Use of Symbols. 

Answer

Write a note on Whitman’s use of symbols.

Walt Whitman (1819-1892) is known for his powerful use of symbols in his poetry, especially in “O Captain! My Captain!” (1865) and “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” (1865). Through symbols like the ship, the star, and the lilac, Whitman discusses deep themes of loss, death, and renewal. These themes reflect the emotions of a nation during a time of great turmoil.

The Symbols in “O Captain! My Captain!”: In “O Captain! My Captain!,” the ship is a central symbol representing the United States. The ship’s safe arrival at port symbolizes the Union’s victory in the Civil War. The captain symbolizes Abraham Lincoln. The poet says,

Where on the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

The captain lying “cold and dead” on the deck symbolizes the tragic loss of President Lincoln. Whitman uses the ship to show how victory and loss are closely linked. It captures the complex emotions of a mourning nation.

The Symbols in “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d”: In “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d,” Whitman uses the lilac, star, and bird as powerful symbols. The lilac, which blooms each spring, symbolizes renewal and the continuation of life even after death. This is illustrated when the speaker breaks a sprig from the lilac bush, saying,

With delicate-color’d blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of rich green,

A sprig with its flower I break.

The star represents President Lincoln. The star falling from the sky symbolizes his death. The bird sings a “carol of death,” which symbolizes the acceptance of death as a natural part of life.

In short, through these symbols, Whitman effectively communicates the emotions of loss and hope. Whitman’s use of symbolism makes his poetry rich in meaning. His symbols reflect the struggles and hopes of a nation during a difficult time.