JLEW

1. Read the poem slowly through one time. After this reading, respond in your log to ... What is the central topic of the poem? What do you understand of the author's treatment of this topic after the first reading? What do you feel after your first reading? What questions do you have? What words or phrases are confusing?

2. Now read the poem a second time and respond to ...

What areas are now clear to you?

What areas are confusing to you?

What meanings do you think the poem is expressing? Write down line numbers where you see these meanings.

When I Learn'd the Learn'd Astronomer

1. The central topic of the poem seems to be Whitman's disgust with the scientific view of the heavens. He may feel that there is more to the stars than what simply a scientist can derive from scientific observation. Whitman rather just be left without all the scientific knowledge, best described by a quote from a song written by Bob Seager, "Wish I didn't know now what we didn't know then." I feel satisfied at the end of reading this poem. 

2. IT seems more now that the poem isn't about Whitman's disgust with scientific fact but more of his initial reaction. Its almost like someone telling you that something you love is actually something completely different, like your dog is actually a man is a costume. This poem is about Whitman's love of the non-scientific side of things. I really don't find anything confusing about this poem, it is well written and strait forward to my ears.

A Sight In Camp

1.  The topic of this poem is about the soldiers have been wounded in battle. Whitman's show the utmost respect and honor for these men, the common people who risk themselves just to make our lives better. I feel a realization of all the work that the common man does for us, just how important they are in our lives. I still would like to know, does this poem refer to what was possibly Whitman's first hand experience in the Civil War? None of the phases seemed confusing to me. 

 2. I came to realize that all the men he is observing under the blankets are all deceased. At first when I read the poem, I believed that it was only the last body that was dead.  I am sure now, that this scene is taken from the Civil War, and is most likely derived from one of Whitman's personal experiences. This poem is expressing the meaning of death, on how depressing it is to see the fruit of our society deceased. 

Transcendentalism seem to be a great appreciation for natural beauty, in all aspects of life. Nature transcends physical boundaries, beyond that of just trees and animals. Transcendentalism discusses life as a whole, its aura, and how it is us. It goes in deep about the soul, making the reading really emotional. Before yesterday, I hadn't a clue what transcendentalism was. However, judging from this reading, I know I'm going to enjoy this.

Day: What I Now Know About Transcendentalism: Today I REALLY learned what transcendentalism was. The basic belief of transcendentalism is that THE UNIVERSAL BEING IS EVERYONE. This universal being is their "god", and the only way to connect with this being is to immerse yourself in nature. The meaning of life isn't the labor you do, slaving away in the factors making just enough money to feed your families. Nature is everything beautiful, and it is the rejuvenator of life.  

Journal #7

            I had Dimmesdale in the right place at the right moment. I had him within my grasp, ready to fall victim to my revenge. I had him pinned down. There he was on the stage along with Hester and Pearl, me included. His sermon was indeed touching. Everyone received his speech with praise and acceptance, yet, I was to ruin it for him. I never got my chance; it was stolen from me!

            The man admitted his sin, the sin he had committed with Hester. Dimmesdale confessed his innermost secrets. I never intended him to do so; this was meant to be me telling the town of his failure to god. Then, in an almost heavenly fashion, he revealed the mark on his chest; a scarlet letter embedded that seem to be just as Hester’s. Dimmesdale collapsed to the ground, a dead man. I have failed in my quest, now, my purpose had been destroyed.