Picture of American Civil War in the poem “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d”?
Introduction: Several pictures of the American Civil War are depicted in the poem “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” (1865) by Walt Whitman (1819-1892). Here is an overview of the imagery found within the poem:
Mourning and Grief: The poem reflects the pervasive sense of loss and sorrow felt during the aftermath of the Civil War. Whitman writes,
“O, how shall I warble myself for the dead one there I loved?”
This line portrays the grief and mourning experienced by the nation for the fallen soldiers.
The Journey of The Funeral Procession: The poem describes a funeral procession as it travels across the land, carrying the deceased. It portrays a solemn and sombre scene evoking the image of a nation in mourning. The following line proves the topic:
“Coffin that passes through lanes and streets”
The Symbolism of Lilacs: The lilac flowers in the poem symbolize death and rebirth. Whitman writes,
“Lilac and star and bird twined with the chant of my soul.”
The lilacs represent the memory of the fallen soldiers and the hope for their spiritual rebirth.
The Presence of Abraham Lincoln: The poem makes references to the death of President Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated during the Civil War. Whitman writes, “O powerful western fallen star!” as a tribute to Lincoln and his impact on the nation.
Natural Imagery: The poem also includes vivid descriptions of nature, such as the robins, plashing melodious throats and the grey-brown bird. These images serve as a contrast to the darkness and despair of war, highlighting the healing power of nature.
To conclude, “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” paints a picture of a nation grieving the loss of its soldiers and mourning the death of Abraham Lincoln while finding solace and hope in the natural world.
study More: Dickinson’s Expression of love.
