Camden Annotation

Photo of Robert E. Lee http://whitewraithe.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/general-robert-e-lee-001.jpg

Whitman acknowledges the times were extraordinary and in need for likewise men. So these men stood up for what they believed in fighting the good fight and now that the war is over Whitman is happy with the ending in History's play.

Whitman explains history is a stage for heroic figures. He identifies these men as "lofty actors". Lofty:exalted in rank, dignity, or character; eminent With their role on history's stage they will forever be remembered. He describes war as Lurid: causing horror or revulsion, and between the old and new. The old and new stand for the ways of the south and the motion for a change from the north. We saw something similar in kind in the poem America where Whitman describes the nation as "grown" and "ungrown". The differences were fought out on history's stage for a long time suspenseful, enduring man's wrath and fear. Whitman remembers it because it is the past. And with its end came many deaths. The chaos that once was, has since subsided and America can sigh in relief. The victory is not without cost. Leaders from both sides have died in sacrifice.

In this poem, Whitman compares life and war to a theaters play. The President and his Generals being the main characters.

This first photo is of Whitman between February and May 1848 at the age of 29. It was taken in New Orleans while he worked at the New Orleans Crescent. The photo may be the earliest of Whitman. http://www.whitmanarchive.org/multimedia/image001.html?sort=year&order=ascending&page=1 The second photo dates to 1891, making it one of the last photos of him. It was taken at the Whitman house in Camden. Those of you who have been there will probably agree it was taken in his living room where you can see the famous windowsill in the background. http://www.whitmanarchive.org/multimedia/image129.html?sort=year&order=ascending&page=13

Multitudinous: Very numerous; existing in great numbers.

Part one of the film Glory. This Clip shows a brutal battle and a gruesome hospital scene. Reenactments of the horrible sights Whitman experienced. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKlbAGsDROY

Undulating: To cause to move in a smooth wavelike motion.

http://virtualtutorprogram.com/images/DropOfWater.GIF drop of water picture

Closing the poem Whitman explains that all of our individual lives including his are just another wave in God's ocean some larger than others but ultimately a part of the same.

Whitman explains some are lucky enough to fall into God's plan even if he makes the smallest impact.

In contrast to the previous line Whitman humbles himself explaining his life to have been without intention and not to have been of much more significance than any others.

Whitman's use of the numerical reference "score" indicates a sense of accomplishment for the years hes lived.

Again Whitman reiterates hes calling on memories from his time as a child to his present later years.

The poem seems to progress following his age and experiences. In this part of his life he reflects on the war, his role as a union nurse, and the images that have been burnt into his memory.

Here is the all to familiar tell tale sign of Whitman, a list. He gets more specific in what he recalls. The two more eloquent memories are those that were the shortest and his silent surveys of life.

"every crest" suggests to me he wants to relive even the smallest of things as they occurred in their wave like motion aka undulating. The "light or shade" meaning both the good and the bad experiences.

Whitman uses this line to introduce his objective. Hes going to bring himself back in time to recall his memories. He interestingly uses the word "resume" to indicate he'll relive his experiences.

First to briefly explain the title and poem. Whitman uses Waves as a synonym for Life, and this is a look or "scan" at his life experiences both good and the bad, minute and monumental.