When I Heard the Learned Astronomer
by Walt Whitman
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 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.
Directions:
Write a paragraph that analyzes how Walt Whitman uses different literary devices in order to advance Romantic themes in his poem. Consider such things as diction, syntax, imagery, sound devices, form etc. You may also address how Whitman advances Romantic themes by creating contrast to those ideas.
You must have three supports, provide a quotation for each support, and follow all style guidelines. This paragraph will be assessed on style.
