Introduction
In “435,” Dickinson states that people often confuse sense and madness, and in “When I Heard the Learn’dAstronomer,” Whitman indicates that receiving knowledge from measuring is not the truthful way for some people. Both poets use meter, rhyme, and metaphors to highlight the value of thinking not like others. Still, Dickinson warns about the frequent inability to do so, and Whitman celebrates freedom of mind.
Meter
Firstly, the poets refer to unstressed and stressed syllables in these poems to add to their arguments. For instance, in “435,” Dickinson begins two lines with stressed “Much” (lines 1, 3). This allows her to emphasize that numerous instances of madness and sense surround people. In Whitman’s “When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer,” the speaker’s boring experience is written in stressed and unstressed syllables. Still, his freeing, when he “Looked up in perfect silence at the stars,” follows the opposite scheme (lines 1-2, 8). This adds sense to when the speaker is overwhelmed or enthusiastic.
Rhyme Schemes
Furthermore, neither of the poems follows a specific rhyme scheme, but the words that bear special meaning do rhyme. In “435,” Dickinson adds a rhyme between “prevail,” “sane,” and “Chain,” stating that this system of punishing rebellious people is standard (lines 5-6, 8). In “When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer,” Whitman uses a half rhyme between “gliding” and “rising” (line 6). Thus, the speaker is seen as becoming beautifully and gracefully free in his ways of learning.
Metaphors
Eventually, it is also essential to discuss the figurative language because it conveys the primary meaning of the poems. Dickinson concludes “435” with the phrase, “And handled with a Chain –” (line 8). This metaphor stresses that critical thinking and discernment can lead to independence, but others do not let this happen. Whitman also creates a metaphor in “When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer,” saying, “Till rising and gliding out I wandered off by myself” (line 6). In this way, refusing to accept others’ ideas does lead to freedom and beauty.
Conclusion
Both poets discuss how adopting personal views is associated with independence and better learning. However, Whitman writes that refusing to follow others can achieve freedom, but Dickinson stresses that society always strives to prevent some persons from thinking critically and clearly. The writers convey their messages using rhyme structures, meter, and metaphors.
Works Cited
Dickinson, Emily. “435.” The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, edited by Thomas H. Johnson, Back Bay Books, 1976, p. 209.
Whitman, Walt. “When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer.” Selection from the Prose and Poetry of Walt Whitman, edited by Oscar Lovel Triggs, Small Maynard & Co, 1898, pp. 119-120.