Whitman's elegy

Title--When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloom’d: The title seems very upbeat and sounds as if it is referring to springtime when flowers tend to bloom and life is being created. Also, the use of the word last seems like the flower is enduring everything. Paraphrase: President Abraham Lincoln has died and now everyone and everything on earth is mourning his death. Althought this tragic event has occured, life still lives on: flowers bloom and live. A thrush warbles a solitary lament. The speaker shows his respect while the coffin of the great man tours the country. The sun drops below the horizon and darkness sets upon everything and still the thrush sings the sad song. The speaker wants to find a way to show how meaningful the great president was by showing how beautiful america is. The bird continues to sing. the speaker is overcome by death and the feeling of death. The speaker requests for god to take him now to heaven because he has seen all the destuction on the earth and the thought of living here is just not an obtion. And yet through all of this, the lilacs grew and gave off their perfume and the bird forever sand his song. And always will the thoughts of the great president remain in the speakers mind. Connotation: This poem shows how great the world and the earth was with the presence of Lincoln and that he had a lasting impact on the country. The speaker focuses on the beauty that is present. The lilacs represent Lincoln, blooming late, but overcoming everything around it with its scent. The poem and the diction show that lincoln's actions were affective during his life and after his life. When he says, "I give you my sprig of lilac", it is a sign of respect. The great Western Orb is another symbol for Lincoln. It is always watching over him, guarding him. The Death carol is a cry out to Death, in all its unfairness. And because of the unfairness, the speaker almost lets death have its way and take him away.  But the realization that death is inevitable pulses throught he speaker and he realizes that life will go on. Attitude: The attitude is lamenting but accepting. The speaker is lamenting the death of such a great leader who had an impact on the history of this country like no other man. This was truly a great loss, just like when Whitman lost his friend. But also, the speaker is accepting of the fact that life is a cycle of life and death and that he should be grateful that he lived in a time with such a great man. Shifts: The author shifts tone of voice when he presents the Death Carol, and he shifts subejcts many times. But in a way the things he talks about all represent Lincoln. Title: The title seems like  a tribute and honoring of President Lincoln. The lilacs represent the way that Lincoln stayed in the hearts and minds of people everywhere. And even though he was gone, or even though the lilac was picked, the smell and the beauty continues to exist and Lincoln's work and successes will be forever remembered. Theme: When talking about death, there is a very dismal attitude taken toward it but basically throughout this poem the theme of acceptance is dominant.