The poem “I Asked for No Other Thing” by Dickinson paints a picture of supreme being and link to humans as conferrer of things. Personally, the poem tells of power vested in the supreme Merchant with power in giving the “thing” one wants. Moreover, although options may exist, like “Brazil”, Dickinson shows value in being specific and sticking to “thing” that makes one complete or happy. In essence, the poem encourages for specificity in desires and passion that resonates with one’s life. For me, the “thing” is freedom, peace, entrepreneurial success and a happy family.
Whitman’s “Song of Myself, 50” touches on things making life worthwhile that I highly connect with as a human. In the second line of 50, Whitman tells of the reality in life when working as physical laborers “wrenched and sweaty”. And despite tiring, there is peace and calmness finally when one sleeps long. And in life of a person, Whitman desires important things like an embrace from a friend which “awakes” him. Also, in life, with the diversity in needs and desires, being mindful of others is important in life. Whitman pleads for “brothers and sisters”, calls for “union” and “happiness.” This is the dream life only attained if “chaos or death” are avoided.
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An additional resource for understanding Whitman’s poem is the video analysis by John Doherty, from the site http://www.favoritepoem.org/poem_FromSongofMyself.html . The analysis explains Whitman’s vision for a world of a physical laborer with universal happiness. Also, the site shows Whitman noting that America needed unity after end of Civil War as vital in healing.
The lines are “It is not chaos or death… it is form and union and plan.. It is eternal life… it is happiness.” Which ends part 50 of Whitman’s poem. In his view, Whitman sees key matters that define the American identity. These are a nation without chaos and death, and an America defined as being in union as opposed to wrangled and split. Lastly, America is well defined by exhibiting happiness. By the application of all this, there is the creation of a nation that is “eternal”.
References
Class Notes. (2018). LITR221 | LESSON 1: Introduction to American Literature after the Civil War
Dickinson, E. (1890). "I Asked No Other Thing"
Doherty, J. (n.d). Walt Whitman: FROM SONG OF MYSELF (50 & 52). Accessed 4 th June, 2018, from http://www.favoritepoem.org/poem_FromSongofMyself.html
Whitman, W. (1855). “Song of Myself, 50”
