France (Poem by Walter Whitman)

France, the 18th year of These States

By Walter Whitman

A great year and place

A harsh discordant natal scream out-sounding, to touch the mother's heart closer than any yet.

I walk'd the shores of my Eastern sea,

Heard over the waves the little voice,

Saw the divine infant where she woke mournfully wailing, amid the roar of cannon, curses, shouts, crash of falling buildings,

Was not so sick from the blood in the gutters running, nor from the single corpses, nor those in heaps, nor those borne away in the tumbrils,

Was not so desperate at the battues of death — was not so shock'd at the repeated fusillades of the guns.

Pale, silent, stern, what could I say to that long-accrued retribution?

Could I wish humanity different?

Could I wish the people made of wood and stone?

Or that there be no justice in destiny or time?

O Liberty! O mate for me!

Here too the blaze, the grape-shot and the axe, in reserve, to fetch them out in case of need,

Here too, though long represt, can never be destroy'd,

Here too could rise at last murdering and ecstatic,

Here too demanding full arrears of vengeance.

Hence I sign this salute over the sea,

And I do not deny that terrible red birth and baptism,

But remember the little voice that I heard wailing, and wait with perfect trust, no matter how long,

And from to-day sad and cogent I maintain the bequeath'd cause, as for all lands,

And I send these words to Paris with my love,

And I guess some chansonniers there will understand them,

For I guess there is latent music yet in France, floods of it,

O I hear already the bustle of instruments, they will soon be drowning all that would interrupt them,

O I think the east wind brings a triumphal and free march,

It reaches hither, it swells me to Joyful madness,

I will run transpose it in words, to justify

I will yet sing a song for you ma femme.

Poem Analysis:

Walt Whitman's poem "France" reflects on the tumultuous events and emotions surrounding the birth of the French Republic, particularly during a period of upheaval and strife. Through vivid imagery and passionate language, Whitman captures the essence of France's struggle for liberty and its enduring spirit of resilience.

Harsh Discordant Natal Scream: Whitman opens the poem with a powerful image of the birth of the French Republic, likening it to a harsh and discordant natal scream. This metaphor emphasizes the tumultuous nature of France's transition to republicanism and the intense emotions that accompany such profound societal change.

Witnessing Tragedy and Retribution: As Whitman walks the shores of his Eastern sea, he describes hearing the cries of the divine infant, France, mourning amid the chaos of revolution and violence. He witnesses the bloodshed, the corpses, and the retribution exacted upon those responsible for oppression and injustice. Whitman's visceral reaction reflects the profound impact of witnessing tragedy and retribution on both a personal and collective level.

Embracing Liberty and Vengeance: Despite the grim realities of revolution and warfare, Whitman expresses his unwavering commitment to liberty and justice. He acknowledges the potential for violence and upheaval, yet he also recognizes the inherent dignity and necessity of the struggle for freedom. Whitman's invocation of Liberty as his mate reflects his deep emotional and philosophical connection to the principles of democracy and human rights.

Sending Words of Love and Support: Whitman concludes the poem by sending words of love and support to Paris, expressing his solidarity with the people of France during their time of struggle. He believes in the enduring power of music and art to uplift and inspire, even in the darkest of times. Whitman's optimism and faith in the resilience of the human spirit shine through as he imagines the triumphal march of freedom and the renewal of hope.

Latent Music in France: In the final stanza, Whitman evokes the latent music and creativity that he believes are inherent in the French spirit. He anticipates the resurgence of artistic expression and cultural vitality, symbolized by the bustle of instruments and the triumphant march of the east wind. Whitman's commitment to singing a song for France reflects his belief in the transformative power of poetry and the enduring legacy of human resilience and creativity.

In conclusion, "France" by Walt Whitman is a poignant reflection on the birth of the French Republic and the enduring spirit of liberty and resilience. Through vivid imagery and passionate language, Whitman captures the complexities of revolution and the human quest for freedom and justice. The poem stands as a testament to the enduring power of hope and the transformative potential of collective struggle.