The importance of experiencing the world
In "When I Heard the Learned Astronomer," Whitman seems to value personal experience and the beauty of nature over academic knowledge and scientific analysis. While the astronomer's lecture is filled with facts and figures, it ultimately leaves the speaker feeling disconnected and dissatisfied. The poem suggests that true understanding comes from direct, emotional engagement with the cosmos, rather than through intellectual abstraction. This reflects Whitman's broader belief in the significance of individual perception and the awe of the natural world.
John Carroll - astronomer - died in 1974.
Charles Green - astronomer - was born in 1735.
William Pearson - astronomer - was born in 1767.
Robert Wilson - astronomer - died in 2002.
He uses alliteration with the words "mystical/moist," "time/time," and "silence/stars."
The speaker in "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" displays an attitude characteristic of Transcendentalism. He seeks a direct, personal experience with nature and knowledge rather than relying solely on academic or analytical understanding. By leaving the lecture hall to connect with the stars on his own terms, he values intuition and the spiritual over intellectualism.
The importance of experiencing the world
Walt Whitman
I learnd the same thing you learnd
In "When I Heard the Learned Astronomer," Whitman seems to believe that personal experience and wonder are more important than dry scientific facts and data. He values the intuitive understanding of the universe that comes from his own contemplation and awe over the structured analysis presented by the astronomer.
The speaker leaves a lecture about stars to go look at the stars.
In "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer," Whitman seems to value personal experience and direct observation over academic learning or secondhand knowledge. He finds more fulfillment in experiencing the wonders of the night sky on his own rather than through the analytical and scientific explanations of the astronomer.
he learnd when he was 7
An important value in "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" is the appreciation for the beauty and wonder of nature that can be lost when over-analyzed through academic study. The poem suggests that sometimes it is more fulfilling to experience and marvel at the mysteries of the universe firsthand, rather than dissecting them intellectually.
I have never heard this before
bye bye