3B+Simonson

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 * “When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer” by Walt Whitman has various styles to convey the overall idea of nature. Whitman encourages the reader to experience things for themselves rather than be taught them by someone else. One way Whitman conveys this idea is through his use of apostrophes. The use of the word 'learn'd' in the title allows the reader from the beginning to be aware of Whitman's intentional poor grammar. This grammar is diffused throughout the poem with words such as 'wander'd' and 'look'd'. This is Whitman's subtle way of reminding the reader that education isn't the most important part of life. Being able to experience nature and appreciate something as simple as the night sky is more important than complicated charts and diagrams. **
 * Witman also uses repetition of the phrase 'When I' to stress the importance of nature over education. This phrase is always followed by a sensory action, such as seeing and hearing. The ability to see and hear is something that can't be taught through books and diagrams. These senses are natural so in a sense, shouldn't be wasted on things manmade such as diagrams and charts. Instead of hearing the astronomers voice and seeing the complex charts, you should be hearing the perfect silence of the night sky and seeing the bright stars. This repetition is also used to convey the idea of individuality. 'When I' focuses on the person themselves as oppose to a group. It shows how the subject of the poem had a sense of self and didn't just go with the crowd. While others were impressed with the astronomer, he was sick and left the room. While others were impressed with the facts and charts, he was yearning for the soft touch of nature. **

Rain Beneath the Clouds
Rain running with perfect aim, I feel its touch on my skin, I hold a small drop on my fingertip, Little rain- what mysteries you drip, How unique each drop that seems the same, With more purpose than us combined. Tree standing besides a well, I dwindle in its presences, I see the rain drip down its bark, Big tree- how complex is your every mark, With many secrets you will never tell, I ponder at your knowledge. Leaf fallen on the ground, I stand in your mothers shadow, I hold you here, beneath the tree, sighing, Dainty leaf- once filled with life now dying, You speak a language without a sound, But know more than man could ever say.