Today: “Song of Myself” “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” Come up From the Fields Civil War Poetry

Cantos 6: What does the grass symbolize? In :Song of Myself” notice that Whitman begins the poem with “I” and ends with “you”. To what extent can this poem be seen as a transgression from an “I” (or an eye), to a “you”? Can we see “Song of Myself” as a poem discussing American Identity? How does Whitman contribute to the ongoing evolution of self-reliance, human freedom, and concepts of democracy?

Whitman/Lincoln Both rose to greatness from humble backgrounds Largely self-taught Cultural Tastes High Low Spiritualism ????FACTS????

Lincoln’s Multifaceted Qualities Face Rural Origins Inner Strength Embodiment of the “I” in Leaves of Grass: “the greatest”, best, most characteristic, artistic, moral personality” in America

Lincoln’s Death April 14 th, 1865 Crucial moment in America’s cultural life Personal Connections Theatrical Event Mourners are unified South and North Grieve 1,662 mile journey viewed by 7.5 million

“When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d”: an elegy a) How does Whitman’s language (imagery, diction, etc.) express his sorrow over President Lincoln’s death? b) What might the following symbols represent: the lilac, the star, and the bird (and the bird’s song)? c) How is this poem thematically similar to other works we have read? d) What is Whitman’s attitude towards death? e) Review how literary elements contribute to meaning

“When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” What does the poem suggest about the nature of life, death, and human experience—in other words, what kind of universal message does the poem express, going beyond Lincoln or the Civil War?

Civil War Poetry

More Civil War Poetry “Come Up From the Fields Father” exhibits/warbones/oslerwhitman/poetr y02

Homework Read and annotate “I Sing the Body Electric” Finish any annotations from today’s poetry