how solemn as one by one

Question 1

anaphora –> shows that the event of the civil war has a continuous, lasting effect. War is something that shapes you and sticks with you, it’s now something that’s a part of who you are. the use of personal pronoun shows Whitman’s empathy and understanding in regards to his role.

Answer 1

“As the ranks… As the faces… As I glance”

Question 2

the soul is eternal, even if the body parishes, the soul and spirit of a person still exists. war changes people, affecting them mentally and emotionally but their character and spirit lives on in the soul.

Answer 2

“O the bullet could never kill what you really are, dear friend”

Question 3

directly addressing the soldiers, via personal pronouns. giving the soldiers metaphorical life. Whitman hopes his words and empathy can reach the soul of this person, relatability.

Answer 3

“how solemn the thought of my whispering soul to each in the ranks and to you”