Poetic Appreciation Song of the open Road Poem

Write an appreciation of the poem considering the following points.

1.About the Poem, Poet and Title
2.Theme of the poem
3. Poetic style/Language / Poetic devices used in the poem
4. Special features / Novelties/Focusing Elements
5. Message / Morals in the poem
6.Your opinion about the poem

1.About the Poem, Poet and Title: This poem is composed by American poet, Walt Whitman. He is called as the father of ‘Free Verse’. This poem is taken from his work, “Leaves of Grass’. The speaker of the poem is talking about the free will and tenderness of his heart.

2.Theme of the Poem:

The poet in the poem is exploring a journey on which he is embarking. He describes himself as ‘healthy and free’. He is in complete control of his life and chooses his own destiny. He believes in his own strength rather than luck and fate. He does not wish or hope for good fortune. He is going to reach his destination on his own. Though there are any problems and difficulties in life, he is ready to over come all these. The poet wants to live his life according to his likes and dislikes.The poet encourages being true to themselves and living a free life.

3. Poetic Style/Language / Poetic Devices used in the poem:

There are four stanzas in the poem. With the exception of the first stanza containing three lines, all stanzas have four lines. The poet has used free verse technique in this poem. The lines are unrhymed and of varying lengths. It is told in the first person. The poetic devices used in the poem are inversion, Paradox, Simile, Repetition and Alliteration.

4. Special features / Novelties/Focusing Elements:

The poet has used the poetic skill of Anaphora at the beginning of the line ‘I know’ and the technique of parentheses to make separate part of the poem.

5. Message / Morals in the Poem:

The poem gives us a message of joy and delight on the open road or in the journey of life. The poet encourages the reader to be honest to them and live a free and healthy life. Even the poet suggest to avoid procrastination in life. Whatever you want to do, you should do without making any kind of delay in the life. He appeals to believe in your strength rather than fate and luck.

6.Your opinion about the Poem:

According to me, the poem is very encouraging to the readers. It gives us advice to live a free life in the complete control on the mind and body. In spite of the problems we should go ahead to utilize our strength and ability to prove ourselves.