Title: The poem is titled "Animals" and it is written by Walt Whitman, a renowned American poet.
Rhyme scheme: The poem does not follow a consistent rhyme scheme, indicating a free verse style of writing. The absence of a strict rhyme scheme contributes to the poem's natural and unrestricted flow, aligning with the theme of animals and their unbound existence.
Figures of speech: The poem utilizes various figures of speech to convey its message. One example is personification, as animals are described as being "placid and self-contain'd." This personification highlights the poet's admiration for animals and their ability to remain content and at peace with themselves and their surroundings. Another figure of speech used is rhetorical questioning in the lines, "Did I pass that way huge times ago and negligently drop them?" This questioning adds a reflective tone, inviting the readers to ponder their own connections with animals.
Central Idea/Theme: The central idea of the poem revolves around the poet's fascination and admiration for animals. Walt Whitman expresses his longing to live with animals, finding solace in their serene nature. The poet contrasts the behavior of animals with that of humans, emphasizing their lack of dissatisfaction, materialistic desires, and unnecessary complexities. Through this comparison, the theme of the poem emerges as the harmonious relationship between animals and the poet's own self. The poet recognizes that animals reflect aspects of his own identity, perhaps hinting at a primal connection or a shared essence.
In conclusion, Walt Whitman's poem "Animals" celebrates the tranquil and self-contained nature of animals, contrasting it with the complexities and dissatisfactions of human existence. The absence of a strict rhyme scheme allows the poem to flow naturally, while figures of speech such as personification and rhetorical questioning add depth and thoughtfulness to the verses. Ultimately, the poem explores the theme of finding solace, reflection, and a sense of identity through the observation and acceptance of animals' behavior and their relation to the poet.
