What does this poem mean
When I heard the learn'd astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,
When I was shown the charts and the diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them, When I sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room, How soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out, I wander'd off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars
This poem, titled "When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer," by Walt Whitman, explores the difference between experiencing something firsthand and experiencing it through academic knowledge.
The poem starts with the speaker attending a lecture by a knowledgeable astronomer. The speaker describes the proofs, figures, charts, and diagrams presented in the lecture and the applause received by the astronomer. However, instead of being fascinated or engaged, the speaker becomes "tired and sick" with the information overload and the sterile environment of the lecture room.
Feeling restless and unsatisfied, the speaker decides to leave the lecture and goes outside into the night air. In the silence and mystique of the night, the speaker looks up at the stars, finding awe and wonder in their beauty. This contrast between the dry presentation of facts and the direct experience of nature highlights the limitations of knowledge and the importance of engaging with the world on a more personal and intuitive level.
The poem suggests that sometimes academic knowledge and intellectual explanations can overshadow the true enchantment and appreciation of nature. It encourages readers to seek a more direct and personal connection with the world around them, rather than relying solely on detached and mechanical understanding.
This poem, titled "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer," is written by Walt Whitman. It portrays the contrast between scientific knowledge and a personal, spiritual experience with nature.
In the poem, the speaker attends a lecture by an astronomer where they discuss proofs, figures, charts, and diagrams. However, instead of feeling engaged and inspired by the scientific knowledge presented, the speaker becomes "tired and sick." This suggests a feeling of being overwhelmed or disconnected from the information presented in a formal academic setting.
As a result, the speaker decides to leave the lecture hall and venture outside. In the "mystical moist night-air," the speaker finds a sense of solace and awe as they gaze up at the stars in perfect silence. This experience in nature contrasts with the structured and analytical discussion in the lecture hall.
Overall, the poem can be seen as a critique of the purely intellectual approach to understanding the world. It suggests that there is a deeper, more personal connection to be found in the direct experience of nature, rather than solely relying on scientific analysis and explanations.
The poem you are referring to is titled "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" and it was written by Walt Whitman. This poem is a reflection on the contrast between scientific knowledge and the personal experience of nature.
In the poem, the speaker starts by describing being in a lecture hall listening to an astronomer give a lecture. The atmosphere seems to be scholarly and intellectual, with proofs, figures, charts, and diagrams being presented. However, as the speaker listens to the astronomer explain the scientific aspects of the stars, they start to feel disenchanted and disconnected. The speaker becomes tired and sick, longing for something more.
Finally, the speaker decides to leave the lecture hall and step outside into the night. They are drawn to the mystical, moist night-air and look up at the stars in perfect silence. By doing so, the speaker feels a deeper connection to the beauty and wonder of the stars, unmediated by scientific explanations. The personal experience of nature and the stars becomes more profound and meaningful to the speaker than the intellectual knowledge gained from the lecture.
This poem can be interpreted as a critique of purely intellectual and scientific pursuits, suggesting that there is a deeper, more intuitive understanding of the world that comes from personal experience and direct observation. It invites the reader to consider the importance of connecting with the natural world and finding meaning beyond the boundaries of academia.