Miracles | Poem 2 | Poetry | Summary | Questions and Answers |

 

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English | Class 10th | Tulip Series |

 

Miracles | Poem 2 | Poetry | Summary | Questions and Answers |

Miracles (Walt Whitman)

Why, who makes much of a miracle?

As to me I know of nothing else but miracles;

Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan,

Or dart my sight over the roofs of houses toward the sky,

Or wade with naked feet along the beach just in the edge of the water

Or stand under trees in the woods,

Or talk by day with anyone I love,

Or sit at table at dinner with the rest,

Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car,

Or watch honeybees busy around the hive on a summer forenoon,

Or animals feeding in the fields,

Or the wonderfulness of the sundown, or of stars shining so quiet and bright,

Or the exquisite delicate thin curve of the new moon in spring:

These with the rest, one and all, are to me miracles,

The whole referring: yet each distinct and in its place.

To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle,

Every cubic inch of space is a miracle,

Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same.

Every foot of the interior swarms with the same.

To me the sea is a continual miracle:

The fishes that swim, the rocks, the motion of the waves, the ships with men in them.

What stranger miracles are there?

(Walt Whitman)

Idea

In this poem Whitman presents to us altogether a different point of view of miracles. He draws his miracles from everyday life. The people and the city life are full of miracles. Nature itself is an emblem of miracles. The creation and activities of honeybees, animals, fishes, waves, rocks, the sun and the moon are miracles.

SHORT SUMMARY

            "Miracles" by Walt Whitman is a poem that explores the poet's profound appreciation for the everyday wonders of life. Whitman emphasizes that miracles are not only grand, extraordinary events but are also found in the simple, ordinary moments of daily existence. He reflects on various scenes such as walking through the streets of Manhattan, observing the bustling life, or witnessing the serene beauty of nature. Through his vivid descriptions, Whitman expresses a sense of awe and gratitude for the diversity and richness of life. He suggests that everything around us, whether commonplace or exceptional, is a miracle. The poem ultimately invites readers to recognize and appreciate the miraculous aspects of their own lives.

 

Thinking about the Poem

Question 1. The usual view of a miracle is that it seldom happens. What does Walt Whitman think about the miracles?

Answer: Walt Whitman challenges the usual view that miracles are rare and extraordinary events. In his poem "Miracles," Whitman suggests that miracles are abundant and present in everyday life. He believes that the ordinary and seemingly mundane experiences of daily existence are themselves miraculous. Whitman sees miracles in simple acts like walking through the streets, observing nature, or spending time with loved ones. He encourages a perspective where one recognizes and appreciates the inherent wonder and beauty in all aspects of life, suggesting that everything around us is a miracle. This view transforms the concept of miracles from being exceptional occurrences to being a constant presence in our lives.

Question 2. When you read the poem, you notice that some 'miracles' are from nature; others are connected with people and city-life. Make lists of these. Notice how Whitman moves from one to another.

Answer:

Miracles from Nature:

1. The stars shining

2. The delicate thin curve of the new moon in spring

3. The sea

4. The birds

5. The animals grazing in the fields

6. The sunrise and sunset

7. The flowing rivers and streams

8. The trees and flowers

Miracles Connected with People and City-Life:

1. Walking the streets

2. The crowd in the city

3. Watching strangers interact

4. Meeting friends and loved ones

5. Conversations and human interactions

6. The buildings and architecture

7. The hustle and bustle of daily life in the city

Transition from Nature to City-Life:

Whitman seamlessly transitions between the miracles of nature and those of city life. He starts by marvelling at natural wonders like the stars and the sea, then moves to everyday scenes such as walking through city streets and observing people. This movement reflects his belief that miracles are not confined to the natural world but are also found in human experiences and the urban environment. Whitman’s transitions emphasize that the miraculous is all around us, in both nature and human society.

 

Question 3. What do the lines about Manhattan and the subway car tell us about Whitman's feelings for the people?

Answer: The lines about Manhattan and the subway car illustrate Whitman's deep appreciation and love for the everyday lives and interactions of people in the city. He views the bustling city streets and crowded subway cars as miraculous in their own right, highlighting his admiration for the diversity, energy, and vibrancy of urban life. Whitman finds wonder in the ordinary and sees the beauty in human connection and community, celebrating the simple yet profound aspects of daily existence.

Question 4. Have you ever come across a miracle in your life? If yes, write an account of it in 150 words.

Answer: Yes, I have come across a miracle in my life. It happened when I was in college, struggling with both academic pressure and personal issues. One particularly challenging day, I felt overwhelmed and on the brink of giving up. As I was walking through campus, I noticed a small, vibrant butterfly that landed on my shoulder. At that moment, I was struck by its delicate beauty and the seemingly impossible journey it had made to reach me. The butterfly's presence reminded me of the resilience and beauty in life's smallest moments. It felt like a sign that despite my struggles, there was hope and a reason to keep going. This unexpected encounter gave me a renewed sense of perspective and strength. The butterfly's brief visit felt like a miraculous reminder that even in difficult times, life has its own way of offering support and encouragement, often in the most unexpected forms.

Or

Are you waiting for a miracle to happen in your life? Write about your feelings in 150 words.

Answer: Yes, I am waiting for a miracle to happen in my life. Every day, I hold onto the hope that something extraordinary will transform my circumstances. The idea of a miracle brings a sense of anticipation and possibility, like a hidden promise of better days ahead. Sometimes, life feels like a series of challenges and mundane routines, and the thought of a miracle offers a beacon of light. It's that unexpected turn of events that could bring happiness, success, or a resolution to long-standing issues.

The wait for a miracle fills me with a mix of hope and patience. While I continue to work hard and stay committed to my goals, I believe that a miracle could come in many forms—a sudden opportunity, a moment of inspiration, or an unexpected act of kindness. This belief in miracles keeps my spirits high and motivates me to keep pushing forward, knowing that at any moment, something incredible could happen.

 

Learning about the Poetic Device/s

Q. What are the images used by the poet?

Answer: In the poem "Miracles" by Walt Whitman, the poet uses vivid imagery to convey his sense of wonder at the ordinary moments of life. Here are some images used by the poet:

1. Nature:

"To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle,

Every cubic inch of space is a miracle,

Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same."

"To me the sea is a continual miracle;

The fishes that swim—the rocks—the motion of the waves—the ships with men in them,

What stranger miracles are there?"

2. City Life:

"To me the streets of Manhattan are miracles."

"Just to be in a subway car, and look around,

To look at strangers opposite, and be familiar with them, and love them."

3. Human Interaction:

"To me the dropping of raindrops is a miracle,

And the superbly practical miracle of what I call our everyday world,

And the fluttering of curtain cloth in a room, the compass needle."

"To me every cubic inch of space is a miracle,

Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same."

Whitman moves seamlessly from images of nature to scenes of urban life, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things and the inherent wonder in both the natural and human-made worlds. Through these images, he emphasizes that miracles are not rare occurrences but are present in every aspect of daily life.

Q. Is there any rhyme scheme in the poem?

Answer: No, "Miracles" by Walt Whitman does not have a rhyme scheme. Whitman is known for his use of free verse, which means that his poetry does not follow traditional patterns of rhyme and meter. Instead, he relies on the natural rhythms of speech and the repetition of phrases and ideas to create a musical quality in his poetry. This allows him to capture the spontaneous and expansive nature of his thoughts and observations, which is particularly fitting for a poem that celebrates the everyday miracles of life.

 

Suggested Reading

• Animals by Walt Whitman

• A Passage to India by Walt Whitman

• Tonight, I Can Write the Saddest Lines by Pablo Neruda