By Walt Whitman
1819-1892
I Saw old General at bay;
(Old as he was, his grey eyes yet shone out in battle
like stars;)
His small force was now completely hemmed in, in his
works;
He call’d for volunteers to run the enemy’s lines
–a desperate emergency;
I saw a hundred and more step forth from the ranks
–but two or three were selected;
I saw them receive their orders aside
–they listen’d
with care
–the adjutant was very grave;
I saw them depart with cheerfulness, freely risking their
lives.
Analysis
Summary
This poem appears to describe a scene from a battle, where an old general is facing a difficult situation with a small force that is surrounded by the enemy.
The general calls for volunteers to run the enemy’s lines, and a hundred or more step forward, but only a few are selected. The selected volunteers receive their orders with care and depart with cheerfulness, willingly risking their lives.
The poem highlights the bravery and dedication of the volunteers and the important role that a military leader plays in leading and directing their actions.
The phrase “Old as he was, his grey eyes yet shone out in battle like stars” conveys the general’s determination and experience, even in the face of adversity.
The poem seems to be a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of soldiers and military leaders, and it may also reflect on the realities of war and the toll it takes on those who serve.
Rhyme
The poem “I Saw Old General at Bay” does not have a specific rhyme scheme. The poem is written in free verse, which means it does not have a regular pattern of rhyming sounds.
This style of writing allows the poet to focus on the content of the poem and the emotions they want to convey, rather than adhering to strict rules of rhyme and meter.
Central Theme
The central theme of the poem “I Saw Old General at Bay” is bravery and sacrifice in the face of adversity. The poem focuses on the actions of the volunteers who step forward to run the enemy’s lines, as well as the determination and experience of the old general leading them. Through these characters, the poem explores the themes of courage, selflessness, and the willingness to risk one’s life in service to others.
Additionally, the poem also touches on the realities of war and the sacrifices that soldiers must make, highlighting the importance of military personnel and the crucial role they play in protecting their country.
The poem serves as a tribute to those who serve and as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that is required of soldiers in times of conflict.
Idea of Verse
The idea or message of the poem “I Saw Old General at Bay” is about bravery, sacrifice, and the realities of war. The poem celebrates the courage of the volunteers who step forward to run the enemy’s lines, as well as the determination and experience of the old general who leads them. It highlights the importance of military personnel and their willingness to risk their lives in service to others.
The poem also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that soldiers must make and the realities of war, including the danger and uncertainty they face.
Through its depiction of these characters and events, the poem conveys the idea that bravery and sacrifice are essential qualities in times of conflict and that military personnel play a crucial role in protecting their country.
The idea or message of the poem is to celebrate bravery and sacrifice, honor military personnel, and reflect on the realities of war.
History of its Creation
The history of the creation of the poem “I Saw Old General at Bay” is unknown. The poem is anonymous, and information about its author, publication history, and context of creation is not readily available.
As such, it is not possible to determine the exact circumstances or events that inspired the poem or to provide a detailed history of its creation.
However, given the themes and imagery of the poem, it is likely that it was written during or after a war or conflict, and serves as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers and military personnel.
Whether it was written by a veteran, a family member of a soldier, or simply a patriotic citizen, the poem remains a testament to the bravery and dedication of those who serve their country in times of war.
Figure of Speech
Anaphora: The repetition of the phrase “I saw” at the beginning of each stanza creates a sense of progression and builds a visual image of the events unfolding.
Cataloging: The list of actions performed by the soldiers, such as “I saw a hundred and more step forth from the ranks,” creates a catalog of the events leading up to their departure.
Imagery: The poem uses vivid visual images to create a sense of the scene, such as the “grey eyes [that] yet shone out in battle like stars.”
Simile: The comparison of the general’s eyes to stars in the line “Old as he was, his grey eyes yet shone out in battle like stars” is an example of a simile.
Symbol: The image of the “grey eyes” shining like stars could symbolize hope, perseverance, and determination in the face of adversity.
Metaphor: There are no metaphors explicitly stated in the poem, but the comparison of the general’s eyes to stars can also be seen as a metaphor for his unwavering spirit.
