Song of the Open Road

                     2.1 Song of the Open Road

About the poet -

         

              Walt Whitman (1819 to 1892) was an American poet, essayist and journalist. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American  

canon and is often called ‘The Father of Free Verse.’ He grew up in Huntington in a family with difficult economic status. His  major work ‘Leaves of Grass’ was published in July 1855. His ‘O Captain! My Captain!’, a poem written on the death of Abraham  Lincoln, is widely popular. The section one of ‘Song of the Open Road’ from ‘Leaves of  Grass’, is a beautiful blend of self-awareness, free will and tenderness  of heart. It gives us poet’s realization that along the journey of life one  will face a test of wisdom which is not tested in any school or university. A  road is something everyone uses, whether rich or poor and it forces all levels of people to  associate with one another. The road signifies ‘mobility.’ One can take the road as a point  to start over towards something new. Whitman talks about the people and places. He argues  

against staying in one place for too long, although the hospitality may be true.

                              Paraphrase

      The speaker of the poem is describing a trip on which he is embarking. He is open -minded, prepared to face the problems that he may come across. The journey is metaphorical for the journey of life.

     The poet is also confident that he has the freedom to choose his own path. He does not feel good luck must favour him. He will work hard and make his dream come true. He is no longer going to complain or delay. He will now put his plans into action. He is no longer going to sit safe only complaining and not doing anything. He will stop finding excuses for postponing.

     He feels he is strong enough to meet all the problems of life that may come in his way. The earth is enough to provide for his needs. He does not need destiny or lucky star to help him. He is sure he can manage his life's journey. Constellations refers to powerful people. He says he doesn't require poweful people to help him to progress.

      The last four lines the poet separates himself, as a different kind of person. He says that he carries old burdens. These may be attachments and relationships . He calls them delicious burdens because he will not get rid of them. He will carry them with him.

      Thus, the poet advises the readers to continue the journey of life with open heart carrying the responsibilities.

                        

                          Appreciation

             ' songs of the Open Road ' is an inspirational poem written by Walt Whitman. He was an American poet, known as ' The Father of Free Verse '. The title of the poem is metaphorical and suggests freedom. Freedom, joy, optimism are the major themes of the poem.

             

           The poem is written in free verse without rhyme or rhythm. The poet encourages the readers to continue journey despite troubles in life. He inspires the readers to be true to themselves and live a free life.

           The language of the poem is simple but effective with the poetic devices such as paradox, Transfered epithet, Repetition and Metaphor.

            The poem is a dramatic monologue. The poem inspires us to explore the world using our abilities. Comfort, criticism, complaints and fate are not excuses for one's inaction. The poet advises us to be happy, be positive and continue the journey of life. It is an inspirational poem with positive attitude towards life. 

     

🟣 Pick out the lines showing that the poet is prepared to enjoy every moment of his journey.

➡️ 

 'Afoot and light-hearted I take to the Open Road... '

' Healthy free,the world before me.'

' Strong and content I travel the Open Road '

' The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.'

🟣  The poet is a person who is free from all inhibitions.  Discuss how the concept is expressed in the poem.

➡️     The poet is about to embark on a trip. He does not consider anything can restrict him, even his own hesitation or doubts. He says he is prepared' a foot' and 'light hearted '. He is physically and mentally fit. He is all set to follow the road to his dream or destination. He doesn't want to depend on good luck or Fortune to be kind to him. He has hislife,his destiny in his own hands.

🟣  ' Healthy, free the world before me ' Express your views regarding the above line.

➡️   The poet has started his journey on the Open Road. Here 'journey on the Open Road ' stands for journey of life. The poet has started his journey cheerfully in positive manner and with light hearted attitude. So he thinks that the world before him is healthy and free. His healthy attitude makes the world healthy. He doesn't think the world may pose some problems for him.

🟣   Pick out the line from the poem that is an example of paradox and explain it.

➡️     ' still here I carry my old delicious burdens '

        Paradox -  Two opposite ideas 'delicious 'and 'burdens 'are brought together with the sense of sarcasm.

🟣     Write two to four lines of free verse on the topic : 'The Road That Leads to My College'

➡️    "Everyday I trade with the bag of books and friends with cheerful looks,

 the road to my college which leads me to the ocean of knowledge

 Where the teacher shape our bright future,

 And enlighten us with wisdom and culture."