Poem Analysis - To Think Of Time

Walt Whitman's "To Think of Time" is a sprawling meditation on life, death, and the interconnectedness of all things. The poem grapples with mortality, not with fear or despair, but with a sense of awe and acceptance. Its tone is initially questioning and reflective, then shifts to a more affirmative and celebratory stance, embracing both the mundane and the profound aspects of existence. Whitman's free verse style mirrors the poem's expansive scope, reflecting the continuous flow of time and experience.

Immortality and the Eternal Soul

One of the central themes of "To Think of Time" is the concept of immortality. Whitman does not present immortality as a purely spiritual or religious idea, but as something inherent in the very fabric of existence. He insists in section 11 "I swear I think now that everything without exception has an eternal Soul!" This radical declaration extends the idea of immortality beyond humans, encompassing trees, the sea, and even inanimate objects. The poem suggests that everything participates in an "exquisite scheme" geared towards eternal existence, minimizing death and emphasizing continuity of being.

The Cycle of Life and Death

The poem frequently confronts the reality of death. Whitman explores this in a vivid scene of death in section 2, detailing the progression from illness to the final breath. However, death is not presented as an ending, but as a transition. In section 3 the poet declares "To think the thought of Death, merged in the thought of materials!" This emphasizes that the materials composing the deceased remain and participate in the ongoing flow of existence, integrated into nature and transformed into new forms. The funeral of the Broadway stage-driver in section 4, while specific, becomes a "reminiscence of the vulgar fate" - a symbol of the universal experience of mortality.

The Interconnectedness of All Things

Whitman emphasizes the connection between the past, present, and future. Early sections of the poem question the potential nothingness of time before ultimately emphasizing how each moment is inseparable. The poem insists that all of existence – from the grand to the minute, the virtuous to the wicked – is intrinsically interconnected. He highlights this with lists of examples that emphasize that every person contributes to the larger tapestry of life, declaring that the "interminable hordes of the ignorant and wicked are not nothing." This inclusive vision is a hallmark of Whitman's poetry, reflecting his democratic ideals and his belief in the inherent value of every individual and every experience. The poem suggests that the law of existence and the law of promotion and transformation cannot be eluded by any being, from the lowest prostitute to the greatest hero.

Recurring Symbolism of Travel and Burial

Several images recur throughout the poem, acting as symbols that deepen its meaning. The slow-moving and black lines that creep over the earth in sections 3 and 8 are strongly symbolic of burial lines. The poem highlights how "Northerner goes carried, and Southerner goes carried, and they on the Atlantic side, and they on the Pacific" showing that all people are united in death, further showing mortality as the great equalizer. The act of being carried can also symbolize the journey through life and into death, reinforcing the theme of continuous movement and transformation.

Conclusion: An Affirmation of Existence

"To Think of Time" is ultimately a powerful affirmation of existence. Through confronting mortality, celebrating life's joys and struggles, and emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things, Whitman constructs a vision of reality that is both awe-inspiring and comforting. The poem's significance lies in its ability to transform our understanding of death, not as an ending, but as an integral part of an eternal and beautiful cycle. Whitman challenges us to embrace the present moment and recognize the profound value of every experience, knowing that we are all part of something larger than ourselves, something that continues on, forever and ever. He also touches on the theme of self-affirmation, with the lines "Yourself! Yourself! Yourself, forever and ever!" adding a further layer to his complex and uplifting rumination.