Poem Analysis - France The 18th Year Of These States

Walt Whitman's "France, the 18th year of These States" is a complex and emotionally charged reflection on the French Revolution and its reverberations across the Atlantic. The poem grapples with the violence and chaos of revolution while simultaneously affirming a belief in its ultimate, though perhaps deferred, triumph. The tone shifts from initial shock and despair to a resilient hope, fueled by the conviction that liberty, though brutally birthed, will ultimately prevail. This poem, despite its grim depictions, ultimately aims towards a prophetic declaration of faith in France's and humanity's future.

The Birth of Liberty in Blood

One of the central themes is the violent birth of liberty, a concept explored through potent imagery. The opening lines introduce the revolution as a "harsh, discordant, natal scream," a painful but necessary sound that signifies the birth of a new era. This image is immediately followed by scenes of bloodshed and destruction: "the roar of cannon, curses, shouts, crash of falling buildings." The speaker acknowledges the horror – blood in the gutters, corpses – but is "not so desperate" as to lose hope. This suggests that the violence, while appalling, is an intrinsic part of the revolutionary process, a necessary evil for the sake of future freedom. The paradox of a beautiful ideal emerging from such brutality is a key tension within the poem.

A Justification of Revolution

The poem questions the very nature of justice and the necessity of revolution in achieving it. Whitman asks, "Could I wish humanity different? / Could I wish the people made of wood and stone? / Or that there be no justice in destiny or time?" These rhetorical questions reveal an understanding that revolution is born out of deep-seated societal injustices. The implication is that a passive, unfeeling populace would never demand change, and that justice requires a reckoning, even a violent one. While not explicitly condoning the bloodshed, Whitman refrains from condemning it, suggesting that it's an inevitable consequence of repressed anger and a longing for liberation. He doesn't advocate for apathy, but accepts the harsh realities of revolution as a means of achieving eventual justice.

The Enduring Power of Hope

Despite the bleak imagery of revolution, the poem ultimately asserts the enduring power of hope and the promise of future greatness. The speaker declares, "And I do not deny that terrible red birth and baptism, / But remember the little voice that I heard wailing—and wait with perfect trust, no matter how long." The "little voice" serves as a reminder of the innocent potential that exists even amidst the chaos. This image suggests a commitment to the ideals of liberty and equality, even when they seem distant or unattainable. The poem concludes with a vision of a future filled with music and joy: "O I hear already the bustle of instruments—they will soon be drowning all that would interrupt them; / O I think the east wind brings a triumphal and free march." This optimistic outlook underscores Whitman's belief in the transformative power of revolution, seeing beyond the immediate violence to a brighter future.

Red as a Symbol

The color red is a recurring symbol in the poem. It appears in the phrase "terrible red birth and baptism." Red is, of course, suggestive of the blood spilled during the revolution, highlighting the violent nature of this "birth" of liberty. The 'red birth' is a symbolic baptism in blood. The color also carries a dual significance, hinting at the passion and fervor driving the revolutionary spirit. It represents both the destruction and the intense commitment to the cause of freedom, embodying the complex and paradoxical nature of the events in France.

A Prophetic Affirmation

In conclusion, "France, the 18th year of These States" is a powerful meditation on revolution, violence, and hope. While acknowledging the horrors of the French Revolution, Whitman ultimately affirms his belief in the enduring power of liberty and the possibility of a brighter future. The poem's shifts in tone, from despair to optimism, mirror the tumultuous nature of the revolutionary process itself. By focusing on the "little voice" and envisioning a future filled with music and freedom, Whitman offers a complex and ultimately hopeful vision of humanity's potential for growth and transformation, even through periods of intense upheaval.