6. In Paths Untrodden Flashcards
Context
‘In Paths Untrodden’ begins a section of Walt Whitman’s ‘Leaves of Grass’ known as the “Calamus” poems. This batch of poems is famous for being the most forthright evidence that the poet’s adoration of his fellow man was also a source of sexual attraction and affection.
Theme: the unknown
the speaker’s desire to undertake the untrodden path in order to escape from the compliance of the tradition & norms that society prescribes upon an individual in contrast to nature which is portrayed as an accepting & open-minded entity.
The speaker seems to imply that nature’s open-mindedness allows it to obtain answers to the complex questions of existence.
The speaker realises that he wants his soul to celebrate camaraderie & friendship in the untrodden path.
Whether or not Whitman is commenting on the narrow and ostracizing views of society regarding non-heterosexual relationships, it is apparent that the speaker is championing a sentiment not considered the norm. Yet despite this, they affirm that it’s far better to shed one’s conformities rather than be falsely led by them.
The speaker intends to express his newfound thoughts in a way that resonates with the essence of robust, fulfilling existence. The phrase “substantial life” indicates a life rich in formative experiences & exuberance.
Rafael Bernabe
“The image suggests both an excursion into unexplored nature &, paradoxically, the pursuit of the inventions of the modern.”
Theme: Restrictive society
the toxicity of societal expectations & judgments hinders individuals from embracing their individuality from fear of being excluded & criticised by others in society.
The reference to the “soul” reflects Whitman’s belief in the inherent dignity & worth of every individual, highlighting the severe repercussions to one’s identity & ability to think independently if conventional thought patterns are their choice of sustenance. In other words the soul is reflective of the raw individual which would directly contradict the norms of society.
the word, “clank” contains negative connotations & the gossiping - establishes the sorrows of Whitman’s unconventional desires under the pressure of social disapproval.
gossips & the superficiality of life where people often criticise the ones who are eccentric in society.
Theme: Hidden
By withdrawing into the wonder of the natural world, the speaker no longer feels shy or embarrassed in the secluded spot of untrodden path & can respond to criticism in a daring manner with courage & strength which was not possible for him in a public space.
The speaker feels that he will be deeply affected by a life where he remains unknown & hidden from others. The phrase “does not exhibit itself” suggests that the aspects of the speaker’s newfound existence will not be outwardly expressed or visible to others, including his internal thoughts, emotions & experiences.
Despite the obscurity of this form of existence, he states that it holds within it the essence of all other forms of existence.
implies an interdependence between the ostensible & the invisible aspects of life where even the unseen parts of one’s life play a fundamental role in shaping the individual.
Theme: connection
-the speaker is making a continuous decision to focus on exploring deep, genuine connections & camaraderie among men. The term “manly attachment” suggests that these bonds are characterised by strength, loyalty, & intimacy.\
Manly attachment challenges conventional concepts of masculinity and instead implies that true masculinity derives from vulnerability and emotional intimacy.
The speaker acknowledges his audience, addressing those who are or have been young men. The speaker is about to share the discoveries he made during his time as a young man, indicating that they are relevant to a wide range of experiences.
Emphasises the importance of friendship & mutual support in navigating life’s journey
Symbol: pond water
The “pond-waters” combines imagery of baptism & renewal with the erotic - one has to give up on conforming to societal standards in order to embrace male homosexuality & “athletic love”.
Symbol: Song
“Resolv’d to sing no songs to-day but those of manly
attachment,”
- The speaker celebrates the power of music & poetry to connect individuals & express their deepest emotions & desires.
- The song refers to self-expression, & the individual’s ability to create something beautiful & meaningful out of their own unique experiences & perspectives.
Symbol: Path
- Represents exploration & adventure
- A metaphor for an individual’s journey through life
- The path is linked to self-discovery, as the path represents the endless possibilities that life offers, & the need to embrace change & uncertainty in order to grow & evolve.
Allusion
The setting of the poem establishes a beautiful, pleasant afternoon in September, during the speaker’s forty-first year. This specific detail enhances the atmosphere of meditation & adds a sense of personal experience & wisdom to the poem.
Metaphor
in the first two lines “in paths… pon waters” casts imagery of wilderness; nature untouched by humans. literal uncharte territory.
Structure
Free verse lacks the discipline of conventional poetry and thus, mirrors the chaos and lack of direction often associate with themes of liberation and self discovery.
Structure-wise, the poem consists of a single stanza comprising twenty-five lines. This single-stanza structure contributes to the poem’s sense of unity and coherence, as it allows Whitman to explore his themes and ideas within a continuous flow of thought.
Additionally, Whitman’s use of enjambment, where sentences and phrases continue beyond the line breaks, contributes to the poem’s fluidity and sense of movement. This technique allows Whitman to maintain the momentum of the poem, carrying the reader seamlessly from one idea to the next.
