3B+Snyder

The link to my dramatic reading is below: media type="custom" key="24533096" align="left"

My response to how the stylistic features of the poem contribute to the overall theme of the piece is below: In the poem, //When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer// by Walt Whitman, many stylistic features that I recited contributed to the overall theme of the piece. For example, Whitman did not chose to use a rhyme scheme in the writing of this poem. I feel that this stylistic choice contributed to the seriousness of the poem. He was not trying to entertain through this poem; he simply wanted to get his point across. His transcendentalist thoughts of observing nature were able to be portrayed in a sophisticated manner without the use of a rhyme scheme. Moreover, Whitman effectively incorporates repetition into the poem. Repeated use of the word “when” in lines 1, 2, 4, and 6 are essential to the message he is trying to convey. Whitman is aggravated because of the way he was being taught. He did not agree with this method of learning and felt very strongly about it. The repetition is able to show how he is growing irritated and also how he is going on and on about the lecture he is sitting through. He is clearly uninterested in the beginning of the poem. However, as the poem continues, the repetition of the word "when" ends. This symbolizes Whitman's interest and passion for what he is writing about. He cares more about observing the world and learning more independently. This stylistic choice is essential to aid in the growth of the poem. Furthermore, the author's stylistic choice of diction is important to the poem. For example, diction can be used to show how the mood of the poem changes from vexed to tranquil. Whitman uses words such as "tired and sick" (Whitman 8) and "perfect" (Whitman 11). There is a drastic difference between these words. Whitman carefully incorporated words such as these to show a change in the poem, from when he is annoyed with the lecture, then removes himself to wander off alone. This stylistic choice pertains to Transcendentalism due to the importance of the individual while wandering off alone outside and also the careful observation of the natural world. Yet another stylistic choice Whitman chooses to incorporate is the difference in the line structure. In the beginning of the poem, Whitman uses enjambment, which is when the words from one line of a poem overflow to the next line. However, towards the end of the poem, he does not do this; he chooses to use simpler lines. This choice of style shows how learning facts in a classroom is complicated and ineffective, while observing nature is much more effective and simplistic in Whitman's opinion. Clearly, the stylistic choices of the author really contribute to the theme of the piece, which is that merely charts, diagrams, and numbers cannot amount to the mystery, power, and beauty that the universe provides for us.

My response poem to "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" by Walt Whitman is below:


 * For the Omniscient Person **

Though the stars shimmy for you

 to see,

Though the chilling air is welcoming,

 soothing, and understanding,

Though you hear Nature calling your name,

 over, and over again,

Though you crave isolation,

Listen here fella-

I betcha don’t know everything.

All that is waiting for you to uncover is a mystery

 that requires assistance,

Whether you desire the hand of another or not,

You are foolish if you do not at least consider

my thoughts.

Do not reject my learning tools,

For they, in junction with your own,

Will allow you to prosper and flourish.