6.7. Animals - Walt Whitman

"Animals" is an excerpt from Whitman's larger work, Song of Myself. It is written in free verse, completely devoid of a regular rhyme scheme or meter, which mirrors the expansive, democratic, and naturalistic style typical of Whitman. This unconstrained form allows for a fluid expression of his admiration for animals.

Walt Whitman’s poem 'Animals' is part of a larger body of work titled 'Song of Myself.' The poem is written in free verse, which means it does not have a formal structure like a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This lack of structured form reflects the poet's appreciation for freedom and nature, aligning with his views on democracy and naturalism. Free verse allows Whitman to express his thoughts and feelings about animals in a way that feels natural and flowing, much like the subjects he describes.

Imagine a conversation with a friend where you can speak freely without following strict rules. You could express your thoughts more comfortably and fluidly. Similarly, Whitman’s use of free verse in poetry allows him to convey his thoughts about animals in a natural and flowing manner.

The primary theme is the superiority of animals' pure and natural way of living compared to the complex, often corrupt, and discontented existence of humans. The message is an appreciation for the simple virtues of animals—their self-containment, tranquility, and lack of obsession with material possessions or guilt—and a subtle critique of humanity's departure from these natural instincts.

In this poem, Whitman presents the idea that animals possess a purity and simplicity that humans have lost. He argues that animals live without the burdens of guilt, desire for material things, and the complexities that trouble human lives. This theme highlights a contrast between the natural, harmonious existence of animals and the troubled life of humans, which can sometimes be filled with greed or discontent. Whitman admires these qualities in animals and implies that humans should strive to reconnect with these virtues.

Think about how pets often live in the moment, enjoying their meals, playtime, and naps without worries about the future or past. They don't fret over bills or social status; they simply exist joyfully and contentedly. This is what Whitman admires about animals compared to the often anxious and complex lives of people.

Key poetic devices include parallelism, as Whitman lists several admirable qualities of animals in successive clauses (e.g., "They do not sweat and whine about their condition, / They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins..."). Repetition of "They do not..." emphasizes the differences between humans and animals. The poem employs strong imagery of animals being "placid and self-contain'd" and having "tokens of myself," referring to primal virtues. There's an underlying contrast between the calm animals and the troubled humans. The tone is one of admiration and longing.

Whitman uses several poetic devices to enhance the impact of his poem. One key device is parallelism, where he lists various qualities of animals in a structured manner. This makes his admiration for them clear and poignant. The repetition of 'They do not...' serves to highlight the key differences between the lives of animals and humans, and it reiterates the peace animals experience. Imagery plays a vital role, as he paints a picture of animals as 'placid and self-contain'd,' suggesting their serene nature. The overall tone reflects Whitman's admiration and yearning for the simplicity he observes in animals.

Consider how we often repeat phrases to emphasize points in a conversation. For instance, if you say, 'You don’t have to worry about grades, you don’t have to worry about friends,' you stress that carefree aspect of childhood. Similarly, Whitman's repeated phrases emphasize what animals don’t do—as a way of highlighting the burdens we do carry.

The poetic appreciation of "Animals" lies in Whitman's profound respect for the natural world and his insightful commentary on human nature. He attributes to animals a quiet wisdom and purity that he finds lacking in humans, suggesting that humanity has lost touch with essential virtues like peace, contentment, and acceptance. The free verse form allows the poem to flow like natural thought, making its philosophical message feel organic and deeply personal.

Whitman’s appreciation of animals extends beyond mere admiration; he views them as symbols of the virtues that humans often neglect. His writing conveys a deep respect for nature and offers critical insight into human behavior. He suggests that, as a society, we have strayed from the values of peace and acceptance that animals exemplify. The use of free verse allows this message to flow freely, creating a feeling that the ideas stem from genuine reflection rather than from structured constraints.

Think of a deeply personal letter written to a close friend without any formal structure—simply thoughts expressed as they come. That intimacy makes the message powerful. Whitman's poem feels the same way; his sentiments about animals come directly from his heart, making the reader feel a connection with both the poem and nature.

For extract-based questions, you might be given lines describing what animals do not do, prompting questions about the human behaviours being criticized. Another extract might focus on the "tokens" and the questions about how humans might have dropped them, leading to discussions about the lost virtues. Questions could also explore the speaker's attitude towards animals and humans.

When analyzing the poem, students may encounter questions that ask about specific extracts. These questions often focus on what animals do not experience—like guilt or anxiety—which invites students to think about human flaws. Additionally, discussions around 'tokens' challenge the reader to ponder what essential virtues humans may have abandoned. Understanding these questions helps readers engage more deeply with Whitman's messages about nature and humanity.

Picture a classroom discussion where students are asked to reflect on not just their strengths but how they might have lost good habits over time, like playing outside or being carefree. These discussions let people delve into their own behaviors and spark interest in the themes Whitman addresses regarding human experience.

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