Poem Analysis I Saw in Louisiana a Live Oak Growing Essay Example

Poem Analysis: I Saw in Louisiana a Live Oak Growing Paper Growing I chose to explicate the poem I Saw in Louisiana a Live Oak Growing by Walt Whitman. The beautiful thing about poetry Is that there can be various meanings depending on the reader. When I first read this poem I enjoyed It. However, I did not truly take pleasure in this poem until reading it over and over again. After rereading the poem time and time again, I discovered new and exciting details. This poem can be interpreted in many ways. If you are pessimistic you will envision the poem much differently than an optimistic reader would. This poem dramatists the inner issue of the speaker when it comes to self-sufficiency as he/she compares themselves to a tree. I have taken the time to pick apart each and every line of this poem In order to discover the true meaning that Walt Whitman wished to create. First and foremost, the title is of great significance. The title I Saw in Louisiana a Live Oak Growing, lets the reader know that the subject is one person. We also find out the setting of the poem, which is Louisiana. The word â€Å"growing† leads us to believe that the growing Is being done right in front of the subject. Growing literally means to spring up and develop to maturity. Since the poem has the word growing In It, I Immediately thought that act of growing may be pertinent to the subject In the poem. We will write a custom essay sample on Poem Analysis: I Saw in Louisiana a Live Oak Growing specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Poem Analysis: I Saw in Louisiana a Live Oak Growing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Poem Analysis: I Saw in Louisiana a Live Oak Growing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In simple terms, I assumed that the poem was going to be about the observation of a tree in Louisiana. Furthermore, little is known about the speaker. We simply know that the speaker is one person, we are not sure about the sex or age. The first line of the poem is a restatement of the title. This Is followed by the line â€Å"All alone stood It and the moss hung down from the branches†. The speaker Is Informing us that the tree Is alone, meaning the tree is separated from others. We also discover that the tree branches are adorned with moss, which is a type of plant. The speaker has enabled the reader to picture this tree in their mind. In the next few lines we were reminded that the tree was situated in a space isolated from everything else. Whitman writes, â€Å"Without any companion, it grew there uttering Joyous leaves of dark green†. Not only do we know that moss covers the tree, but we now find out that the tree has dark green leaves. The word â€Å"uttering† In this line means that the tree Is making a statement or paving public expression. This refers to the leaves that dangle from the tree. The tree’s looks are further described as â€Å"rude, unbending and lusty. This line can easily be confused by the multiple definitions of these words. I believe that in terms of â€Å"rude†, Whitman means the rough and unfinished state of the tree. As far as â€Å"lusty’ goes, I think that Whitman is trying to say that the tree is full of strength. I find this line to be somewhat contradictory. However, I take each deflation Into account when creating ten Image AT ten tree In my mina We continue to learn many characteristics of the tree. At this point, I think that the tree symbolizes self-reliance and independence. As the tree is surviving on it’s own, the speaker in the poem feels as if he/she is not qualified enough to do the same. The characteristics of the tree remind the speaker of himself/herself. I am prompted to think that this person is lacking confidence. The speaker then proceeds to wonder how the tree is able to expel such beauty all alone without the help of a friend or lover. We then surely find out that the speaker does not believe that they are able to o the same without the assistance and guidance of others. He or she may be dependent on others. I also begin to question the speakers reasoning for doubting himself/herself. There must have been an incidence that has led the speaker to think that he/she needs the help of friends. Through the next few lines the speaker breaks off a twig from the tree and winds some moss around it. I first thought that the speaker could be trying to destroy the tree. However, the way the speaker handles the twig leads me to think that he/she wants to be like the tree. â€Å"l have it placed in sight in my room†. He/she has the twig placed so that they can admire the twig and be reminded of the beautiful tree that is capable of so much. This twig may help the speaker to be more reliant on themselves. The twig may act as a positive influence for the speaker. The moss makes the twig more appealing, I think that it gives the twig character and backbone. â€Å"It is not needed to remind me as of my own dear friends, (for I believe lately I think of little else than of them)†. This line was difficult to explain and understand. The speaker is implying that there is not much to think of other than their friends. I question the loyalty and presence of the speaker’s friends. I wonder if the friends of the speaker do not treat him/her well or if they have betrayed him/her. There is definitely a reason why the speaker is thinking of his/her friends so much. The thought of the tree and it’s independence causes the speaker to be curious. I believe that the speaker is interested in how the tree can be skilled enough to accomplish so much while being unaccompanied. â€Å"–it makes me think of manly love† writes Whitman about the tree. In this line I think Whitman is addressing the issue of love. The surprising capabilities of the tree prompt him to think of the strong affection possessed by a man. I believe that Whitman is comparing the unexpected happenings of love to the abilities of the tree and life itself. Both of these ideas present an obstacle in the eyes of the speaker. â€Å".. And thought the live oak glistens there in Louisiana, solitary, in a wide flat space†. The word â€Å"glistens† in this line grabs my attention. The speaker is trying to dramatist the magnificence that he/she has found in the tree. Glisten is defined as a sparkling or lustrous reflection. This word ally stresses the beauty found in the tree. Solitary’ also accentuates the idea that the tree is abandoned and alone without companions. Whitman concludes the poem by writing â€Å"l know very well I could not†. This line is grounds for believing that the speaker lacks confidence. He/she has spent a great amount of time admiring and appreciating this oak tree in Louisiana. They have recognized the amazing capabilities that this tree possesses. However, there is a surprising twist to this poem. The speaker clearly announces that he/she is not adept to do the same. The speaker in the poem does not have faith in themselves. At first, I tongue Tanat ten immolation may De Jealousy towards ten tree, out ten way ten speaker shows respect towards the tree leads me to believe otherwise. It is amazing that a small thirteen line poem can verbalize so much. I Saw in Louisiana a Live Oak Growing does not appear to have any rhythmic pattern. I did notice that the poet repeats certain phrases and lines throughout the poem. For example, in lines 3 and 12, Whitman writes â€Å"uttering Joyous leaves†. After picking apart each line in this poem, I was able to gather a greater understanding of exactly what Walt Whitman was trying to depict.