Question

Which statement best describe the connection between paragraph 3 in the first passage ob Walt Whitman and the poem On the Beach at Night?

Answer 1

Walt Whitman's poem 'On the Beach at Night' and his other works often use natural elements to symbolize universal connections, in contrast to his depiction of urban elements which celebrate American life's diversity and dynamism. Whitman's distinct conversational voice and lack of traditional structure in his poetry emphasize the organic nature of his themes, while his engagement with natural imagery often provides a sense of unity in times of division, such as during the Civil War.

Step-by-step explanation:

Connection Between Whitman's Use of Nature and 'On the Beach at Night'

The works of Walt Whitman beautifully juxtapose natural and urban elements to reveal profound insights into the human condition and the world. The provided paragraph from the first passage concerning Walt Whitman and the poem 'On the Beach at Night' seem to depict how natural elements evoke a sense of wonder and enable humans to feel connected to something greater than themselves. In 'On the Beach at Night,' Whitman uses the imagery of the vast ocean and the expansive night sky to symbolize the universal connection of all things, irrespective of the fear and uncertainty that may arise in the darkness. The waves in the moonlight and the 'great sea's voice' suggest an interplay between nature's grandeur and its comforting presence, themes which are prevalent throughout Whitman's poetry.

Whitman's voice in his poetry is characterized by a free-flowing, conversational tone that often lacks conventional rhyme and meter, giving it a distinctive cadence that mimics natural speech. In portraying natural elements, Whitman imbues his poetry with a sense of timelessness and unity that contrasts sharply with the transient and divided nature of urban life and the turmoil of events such as the Civil War. His use of natural imagery serves as a unifying thread, reminding us of shared human experiences and feelings.

In contrast, Whitman's use of man-made or urban elements often centers on celebrating the diversity and vitality of American life, showcasing his love for wordplay and common images. His observations of common people and their daily lives reflect the growing and rapidly modernizing nation during his time, particularly in poems like 'Song of Myself' and 'Crossing Brooklyn Ferry'.

Answer 2

The connection is that Walt Whitman uses natural elements in both the paragraph and the poem to establish a relationship between humanity and the cosmos, reflecting common themes of interconnectedness and continuity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The connection between paragraph 3 in the first passage on Walt Whitman and the poem On the Beach at Night lies in Whitman's use of natural elements to create a profound connection between human emotion and the larger forces of the universe. In the provided excerpt from paragraph 3, the natural elements of the white waves, the moonlight, and the great sea's voice engage with the human observers on the shore, who feel empowered as interpreters of these vast forces. Whitman's poem On the Beach at Night similarly uses the imagery of the night beach and the stars to reflect on the human condition and universal themes such as unity and continuity despite apparent desolation or loss.

Whitman's poetic voice often oscillates between an embrace of the natural world and an acknowledgment of the man-made or urban elements, illustrating the interconnectedness of humans with both environments. When it comes to the poetic voice, Whitman’s style is characterized by free verse, an elevated yet accessible language, and a sense of intimacy and inclusivity, while engaging with historical events such as the Civil War in a deeply humanistic and personal manner, as evidenced in poems like O Captain! My Captain!.