Poem Analysis - So Far And So Far And On Toward The End

An Appeal to the Future

Walt Whitman's "So Far and So Far, and on Toward the End" is a poem filled with both confidence and uncertainty. It begins with a sense of ongoing journey, marked by the act of singing, and transitions into a reflective mood, questioning the poet's own potential and future achievements. The poem’s tone shifts from assertive declaration to a plea, ultimately becoming a direct address to the leaders and people of America. This creates a feeling of urgent dependence and a hope for collective action to fulfill the nation's artistic destiny.

The Unfinished Potential of the Poet and the Nation

One central theme is the idea of unrealized potential, both for the poet himself and for America. Whitman expresses this through the lines "Whether I shall attain my own height, to justify these, yet unfinished," showing his own self-doubt. This mirrors the larger aspiration of creating "THE POEM OF THE NEW WORLD," implying that America, too, is in a state of becoming. The poem suggests that both the individual artist and the nation are works in progress, their futures contingent on choices made in the present.

Light and Illumination as Symbols of Progress

The poem utilizes light imagery as a symbol of progress and fulfillment. The lines, "Whether I shall dart forth the true rays, the ones that wait unfired, (Did you think the sun was shining its brightest? No—it has not yet fully risen;)" suggest that a greater enlightenment is possible, a more brilliant and complete expression of American identity. The sun, a traditional symbol of knowledge and truth, has not yet reached its zenith, hinting at the untapped potential of both the poet and the nation. This imagery reinforces the poem’s underlying message of hope and aspiration.

Dependence and Collective Responsibility

The poem pivots to emphasize dependence and collective responsibility. Whitman directly addresses "rich persons," "whoever you are now filling the current Presidentiad," "Governor, Mayor, Congressman," and "contemporary America." This blunt appeal throws off the traditional "art for art's sake" notion and directly ties the poet's future success, as well as the creation of a defining American poem, to the actions and decisions of those in power and the citizenry. This emphasizes that artistic achievement isn't just an individual endeavor, but a result of broader societal support and values.

A Legacy Yet to Be Written

In conclusion, "So Far and So Far, and on Toward the End" serves as both a personal reflection and a call to action. Whitman's poem blends self-doubt with unwavering ambition, linking his artistic destiny with the fate of America itself. He boldly asserts that the creation of a truly great "POEM OF THE NEW WORLD" is not solely his responsibility, but depends on the support and actions of the entire nation. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of unfinished business and a challenge to contribute to the ongoing narrative of America's artistic and cultural legacy, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the artist and society.