Walt Whitman's 'When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd' is a pastoral elegy commemorating Abraham Lincoln. It delves into themes of grief, resilience, and the impact of war, using symbols like lilacs, a star, and a bird to convey deep emotional and national loss. The poem's free verse and natural imagery reflect on public and private mourning, offering insights into the human condition.
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The poem is structured into 16 parts, each exploring themes of grief, resilience, and societal effects of war and political turmoil
Free Verse
Whitman's use of free verse allows for a more organic and expressive rhythm in the poem
Musicality
The poem occasionally employs internal rhyme to enhance its musicality
The poem explores themes of grief, resilience, and the interconnectedness of humanity with the environment through its intricate narrative structure and use of symbolism
The recurring motif of lilacs symbolizes the poet's enduring sorrow and themes of renewal and hope
The evening star represents Lincoln and the darkness of his death
The hermit thrush symbolizes the soul's coming to terms with mortality
The evocative imagery of the funeral procession and pastoral landscape adds depth to the poem's exploration of grief and mourning
The poem reflects on both the nation's response to Lincoln's death and the poet's personal loss
The speaker contemplates the proper way to pay homage to the deceased, fluctuating between expressions of adequacy and inadequacy
The poem explores themes of resilience and the cyclical nature of life through imagery of bustling cities and blooming flowers
The backdrop of the Civil War and the brutality of Lincoln's assassination highlight the poem's contemplation of violence and its impact on society
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Poem's Form: Pastoral Elegy
Whitman's poem adopts the pastoral elegy form, mourning death through idealized nature, without direct mention of Lincoln.
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Structure: 16 Parts
The poem's 16 sections contribute to themes of grief, resilience, and war's societal impact.
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Tribute to Lincoln
Though unnamed, the poem serves as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln, symbolizing the nation's loss after his assassination.
