Introduction
As a ‘melting pot’ of nations, America has been considered the place where individuals from different backgrounds come together to form an even stronger country with their valuable contributions and unique experiences. In the poem “I Hear America Singing,” Walt Whitman (1991) celebrates the diverse voices that make up the country, which sing harmoniously. America, as a setting in the poem, allows for a sense of unity and optimism about the brighter future of the people. In the poem, the author uses examples of different occupations, from mechanics to shoemakers, to showcase the country’s democratic ideals and the importance of work to a nation’s development.
Poem Analysis
The song that America is singing is illustrated in the ‘noises’ of the people who work hard toward the nation’s prosperity. While there are no direct descriptions of the setting, the country and its spirit serve as the backdrop for the people’s work. The carols heard by the author are “those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,” the carpenters who are “singing as [they] measures [their] plank or beam” while the boatman is “singing what belongs to him in his boat” (Whitman, 1991, para. 1). The professions listed in the poem are the most important to the prosperity and vitality of the country because they serve as the economic backbone and tools for community development. While corporations and large manufacturers played a significant role in the formation of the country as it is known today, the shoemakers, masons, carpenters, plowboys, mechanics, and many others value the most.
The author also pays homage to the role of women who contributed to forming the country’s backbone. Whitman writes, “the delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wide at work, or of the girl sewing of washing” (Whitman, 1991, para. 1). While some may criticize such a mention as dismissive and diminishing to women’s contribution, the time of the poem’s writing is reflective of the gender inequalities in the workforce.
It is important to note such details due to their historical value and because they show how far the country has come since that time. Whitman is adamant that not only the workers contribute to the country’s prosperity but also the entire social structure, including families, single parents, and working women. The American experience is unique as during the nation’s development, the political and social systems that were put in place ensured a broad range of freedoms and rights earned through hard work and dedication.
Conclusion
To conclude, “I Hear America Singing” could express America’s exceptionalism and the belief in the robustness and potential of a free and democratic society. No matter how small or large each person’s contribution is, they all combine and strengthen the collective American spirit. A country will continue to be prosperous as long as there are people who care about its future, work to accomplish their goals, and teach growing generations about the impact of their ancestors’ patriotism and hard labor. At times of adversity, it is helpful to think of the poem and its message as it inspires the nation to move forward despite the challenges that come their way.
Reference
Whitman, W. (1991). I hear America singing. Web.