Poem Analysis - Thought Of Justice

A Questioning of Justice

Walt Whitman's "Thought of Justice" is a brief but potent questioning of the very concept of justice. The poem expresses a disdain for the idea that justice can be manipulated or defined by arbitrary decisions. It carries a tone of confident assertion, almost indignation, challenging the reader to reconsider conventional understandings of what justice truly means. The mood is less somber contemplation and more of a defiant declaration.

Whitman's Rejection of Man-Made Justice

The poem reveals Whitman's deep-seated distrust of formalized, human-defined justice systems. He seems to suggest that justice is not something to be determined by laws or judges ("this thing or that thing, according to decisions"), but rather an inherent, "ample law" already existing within the natural world. This could be a reflection of Whitman’s Transcendentalist leanings, where emphasis was placed on the inherent goodness of both people and nature and a skepticism of traditional institutions.

Nature's Law as True Justice

The primary theme of the poem revolves around the redefinition of justice. Whitman contrasts man-made justice with what he perceives to be true justice—a "same ample law, expounded by natural judges and saviors." The imagery here is crucial; "ample law" suggests a justice that is broad, encompassing, and fundamentally fair. The phrase "natural judges and saviors" is particularly loaded. It implies that true justice is administered not by legal professionals, but by figures acting in accordance with natural principles and inherent goodness. This challenges the reader to consider where true justice resides.

The Symbol of "Ample Law"

The recurring symbol of "ample law" is central to the poem's message. It represents a justice that is not confined or distorted by human interference. "Ample" suggests abundance and sufficiency, implying that this natural law is fully capable of governing fairly. The contrast between this ample law and the "decisions" of men highlights Whitman's concern that human intervention corrupts the purity of justice. Could this "ample law" also be interpreted as a universal moral code, suggesting justice is innate within humanity?

A Lasting Reflection on True Fairness

In conclusion, "Thought of Justice" is a powerful questioning of what it truly means to be just. Whitman challenges the reader to look beyond the limitations of legal systems and consider a more natural, inherent form of justice. The poem's significance lies in its ability to provoke reflection on the foundations of fairness and the potential for human systems to deviate from true justice. He asks us to consider if justice is a flexible concept molded by lawmakers, or an unyielding principle of nature.