Walt Whitman, in his poem Pioneers, O Pioneers!, which was first published in 1865, talks about revolution, unification, and perseverance. The revolution is meant as a contrast between the older and younger generations and different races. The enthusiasm of young pioneers is emphasized, who are in unity and support of each other, expressed through the repetitive pronoun “we”. The author demonstrates his respect and support for the pioneers, their actions, and their aspirations. The participants in the poem, throughout the entire text, tirelessly move towards their goal. The feeling is broadcast that at every stage the author accompanies the pioneers and is a part of the story. The poem does not seem to speak of a specific event, leaving the freedom of interpretation.
In the poem, the author shows his respect for and supports the geographical development of the United States. In addition, the poem is viewed from the point of view of building a national identity. As pioneers, the author showcases all the people of America. Walt Whitman in the poem encourages people to defend the unity of the United States, created in the exorbitant conditions of the Civil War (Saleh and Fadhil 50). In his poem, the author stresses the importance of the participation of different classes of people in the joint pursuit of American prosperity (Saleh and Fadhil 51). Young people play an important role in this, with particular emphasis on their participation (Saleh and Fadhil 52). The entire length of the Pioneers, O Pioneers! poem demonstrates the author’s pride in the country and its people. Walt Whitman in the poem acts as the Christ who loves all people and humanity in general (Saleh and Fadhil 53). Therefore, while reading the work, many meanings are revealed.
The poem also has a social connotation, which is demonstrated in the division into ages and classes. The author singles out the young, with a possible critical assessment of the older generation (Harris 2). At the same time, the author does not underestimate the role of other people, and throughout the entire poem, the idea can be traced that only taking into account universal support, in which he is personally ready to participate, is it possible to promote the idea of the prospects for the development and unity of the nation (Harris 1). In addition, many social scientists emphasize the themes of democracy, the post-war period, agitation, and the author’s initiative in encouraging actions for the benefit of the United States (Harris 2). Thus, the author not only expresses the fact that he is a patriot of the homeland but also introduces other sub-themes.
In conclusion, the poem Pioneers, O Pioneers! is a field for interpretation, and without knowing the motives of the author, background, and other works, it is difficult to assess the real meaning that Walt Whitman wanted to convey in each of the lines. However, studying evaluative literature and analyzing, the first impression and atmosphere of the poem are confirmed, since the author expresses pride in the United States of America, the readiness to support its development, and to promote these ideas to various generations of people. Youth is the main class of society in the poem, as a promising age group for the nation, which can further maintain the unity of the country, only increase its achievements and help progress.
Works Cited
Harris, Kirsten. “Have the elder races halted?’: British Socialist Readings of ‘Pioneers! O Pioneers!’.” 19: Interdisciplinary Studies in the Long Nineteenth Century 9, 2009, pp. 1-7, Web.
Saleh, Hasan, and Ahmed Fadhil. “The Construction of National Identity in Walt Whitman’s” Pioneers! O Pioneers!”.” Journal of Tikrit University for Humanities, vol. 26, no. 7, 2019, pp. 48-58. Web.
Whitman, Walt. “Pioneers! O Pioneers!.” Leaves of Grass, 1865, pp. 229-232, Web.