When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd
Poetry
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Walt Whitman
When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd Poem
When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d
By Walt Whitman
1
When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d,
And the great star early droop’d in the western sky in the night,
I mourn’d, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.
Ever-returning spring, trinity sure to me you bring,
Lilac blooming perennial and drooping star in the west,
And thought of him I love.
2
O powerful western fallen star!
O sh...
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When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd Character
Characters
The Speaker (Poetic Persona): He is the voice of the poem. He expresses deep sorrow at the death of Abraham Lincoln. At the same time, he realizes death as a part of the natural cycle and seeks consolation in that understanding.
Abraham Lincoln (The Fallen Leader): Although his name is never directly mentioned, the entire poem is written for Lincoln. He was the President during the...
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When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd Literary Device
Symbols
Lilac: The lilac flower is a symbol of love, mourning, and memory. The poet places lilacs on the coffin as a gesture of bidding farewell to the dead leader with love and respect.
Western Fallen Star: This symbolizes the death of Abraham Lincoln. The falling of the star represents the fall of a great leader.
Hermit Thrush Bird: This bird symbolizes the poet’s deep grief and lamentat...
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When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd Quotations
Quotes
“O powerful western fallen star!” (Apostrophe + Metaphor)
Explanation: The poet calls the star a symbol of Abraham Lincoln. The star falling means the death of a great leader. The poet directly addresses the fallen star (apostrophe), which symbolizes Abraham Lincoln. The “fallen star” is a metaphor for his death.
“Carrying a corpse to where it shall rest in the grave, / Night and day journ...
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When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd Summary
Background
Walt Whitman’s poem “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” was written in the context of an important moment in American history. In April 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. At that time, the nation, just emerging from the Civil War, was deeply wounded, divided, and grief-stricken. Lincoln’s death stunned the entire country. Whitman, who was deeply inspired by Lincoln...
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When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd Theme
Themes
Death and Mourning: This poem is about the death of Abraham Lincoln. The poet feels deep pain. He uses lilac, the western star, and the coffin as symbols. These show sorrow and loss. The nation is full of grief. People in cities and villages join the funeral journey. The poet shares the sadness of all Americans.
Acceptance of Death: At first, death looks dark and heavy. The poet feels...
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