Poem Analysis - Spirit That Formd This Scene

Introduction: A Symphony of Wilderness and Self

Walt Whitman's "Spirit That Form'd This Scene" is a vibrant declaration of kinship between the human soul and the untamed forces of nature. The poem opens with awe, describing a powerful, almost savage landscape. As the poem progresses, Whitman finds a reflection of his own artistic spirit in this natural chaos. The tone is initially reverent and descriptive, shifting to a defiant affirmation of unconventional artistic expression.

Echoes of the Wild: A Reflection of Whitman's Poetic Philosophy

One of the central themes is the relationship between art and nature. Whitman argues that true art doesn't necessarily adhere to rigid, traditional forms ("lyrist's measur'd beat, the wrought-out temple's grace"). Instead, it can be found in the raw, untamed beauty of the natural world. This is evident in his deliberate emphasis on the landscape. Whitman connects to a spirit which he also sees reflected within himself, "Mine too such wild arrays, for reasons of their own". This implies that both art and nature are driven by individual and often incomprehensible forces.

The Savage Spirit: Embracing Unconventional Expression

The theme of artistic freedom is woven throughout the poem. Whitman implicitly addresses criticism leveled against his own poetic style. He was often chastised for abandoning traditional poetic structures and embracing free verse. The line "Was’t charged against my chants they had forgotten art?" acknowledges this criticism directly. By associating his "chants" with the "savage spirit" of the landscape, Whitman defends his unconventional approach, suggesting that true art can be found outside the confines of established rules. It is evident he is happy with this charge, and proud even, using it as validation for his work.

Landscape as Identity: Mirroring the Internal World

Whitman uses the landscape as a symbol of his own inner world. The "tumbled rock-piles grim and red," "reckless heaven-ambitious peaks," and "formless wild arrays" represent the complex, often chaotic, nature of the human spirit. The use of repetition with "Spirit that form'd this scene" further emphasizes the unity between the external world and the internal. The wildness of the landscape isn't just a setting; it's a reflection of Whitman's own artistic temperament and his belief in the power of unrestrained expression. "Turbulent-clear streams" suggest a mind which is at once chaotic, but also pure.

Remembering the Wild: A Call to Authentic Art

In conclusion, "Spirit That Form'd This Scene" is a powerful assertion of artistic independence and a celebration of the natural world. Whitman uses vivid imagery and a defiant tone to defend his unconventional poetic style. The poem's significance lies in its suggestion that true art can be found not only in the polished perfection of tradition but also in the raw, untamed beauty of nature and the human spirit. The final line, "They have remember’d thee," suggests that even those who initially criticized his work will eventually recognize the power and authenticity of his vision, and the validity of his association with the untamed beauty of the wilderness.