When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer

Walt Whitman's poem "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" is a simple narrative about an event in which Whitman attended a lecture on Astronomy. The poem begins by telling the reader when and vaguely where Whitman is: in a lecture room when a well respected Astronomer is speaking. Afterward Whitman describes the normal proceedings of a scientific lecture on Astronomy, one containing math, charts, diagrams, etc. And everyone around Whitman seems to be greatly enjoying the lecture. However, Whitman grows tired and contrite as he listens to the speaker drone on and on, and after some time he can't take it anymore, and so he leaves. Once outside he finds peace in the twilight while looking up at the starts that the Astronomer was explaining.

This poem is written in one stanza, but it is clearly divided into two sections: an account of the lecture, and a description of Whitman's feelings and deeds. This is visually divided in the poem by the four repetitions of 'When' at the beginning of the first four lines. Which are followed by the last four which begin with 'How', 'Till', 'In', and 'Look'd'. Whitman is obviously showing the stylistic differences between himself and the lecturer. Where the lecturer is organized and structured, Whitman is chaotic and unpredictable. So, there is the initial difference the Astronomer's predictability and Whitman's spontaneity.

The first piece of the poem, about the Astronomer, creates an atmosphere for the reader. There are "proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns" and there were "charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure" the stars. And everyone sits listening with much adoration and "applause" to this man (or woman). But this atmosphere is exactly counter to Whitman's own belief in how stars should be viewed. Rather than sitting and talking about stars inside with a bunch of people stars should be looked at and viewed alone, where one can get away from the hassle of other people and simply be quiet. He also states that stars are "mystical", and cannot be explained by math. To do so is taking away from what they are.

In this poem we are shown the science and the art of viewing nature, specifically stars. And according to Whitman, viewing them as divine art is the better way. It's the way that brings you closest to them, and sooth's the soul. It is also obviously considered the better option because it comes last, inferring that it is the most accurate method of observation. I believe Whitman wrote this poem in one stanza rather than two to show how these two differing view points exist within one world, and that we have the option to choose one or the other.