O Me! O
Life!
Walt Whitman
Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of
these recurring,
Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,
Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who
more faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever
renew’d,
Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,
Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,
The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?
Answer.
That you are here—that life exists and
identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.
QUESTIONS FROM ENGLISH FOR TODAY
(i) What is the main theme of the
poem?
The main theme is the struggle of existence and the search
for meaning in life despite despair and disappointment.
(ii) What recurring questions does the
poet mention?
The poet repeatedly asks about the value of life, the purpose
of living, and the worth of continuing in a world full of sorrow
and mediocrity.
(iii) What does the poet mean by
'useless years'?
'Useless years' refers to periods in life that feel wasted or
unproductive, where one feels disconnected or without purpose.
(iv) Is age an identity marker? What
are the attributes of old age?
Age can be an identity marker, but in this poem, Whitman focuses more on existential
concerns than age. Attributes of old age may include reflection,
wisdom, and sometimes regret.
(v) What do 'sordid' and 'plodding'
mean?
- Sordid means morally degraded or
dirty.
- Plodding means slow-moving and
uninspired.
(vi) What 'faith' does the poet
mention here?
The poet refers to faith in the human spirit and the belief
that every individual has a role to play in the grand narrative of life.
(vii) Is there a symbolic meaning of
'contribute a verse' in the last line?
Yes, it symbolizes each person’s unique contribution to life,
suggesting that everyone has something valuable to offer.
(viii) Do you find the answer section
of the poem convincing?
Yes, the answer is hopeful and empowering, reminding us that life
itself is the answer, and our role is to participate meaningfully.
QUESTIONS FOR MORE PRACTICE
(a) What does the poet mean by 'eyes
that vainly crave the light'?
It refers to people seeking truth, hope, or enlightenment,
but struggling to find it.
(b) What does 'the powerful play'
refer to?
It symbolizes life itself, a grand and ongoing drama in which everyone
plays a part.
(c) Why does the poet call the crowds
'sordid and plodding'?
He sees society as morally corrupt and uninspired, lacking purpose
or passion.
(d) Why does he reproach himself?
He feels disillusioned and questions his own worth, reflecting on
his failures and doubts.
(e) What is his attitude towards life?
Though initially despairing, he ultimately adopts a hopeful and
purposeful attitude, encouraging active participation.
(f) Why does he use ‘O me! O life!’
repeatedly?
To express deep emotional turmoil and existential questioning,
emphasizing the intensity of his inner conflict.
(g) How does he describe struggles of
life?
As constant and painful, filled with disappointment,
mediocrity, and longing.
(h) Why do empty and useless years
recur?
Because people often lose direction or purpose, leading to periods
of stagnation.
(i) Message of this poem.
The poem conveys that life has meaning, and each person has
a role to play—to contribute a verse to the powerful play.
(j) Meaning of faithless.
Lacking belief, trust, or loyalty, especially in oneself or
humanity.
(k) How can struggle ever be renewed?
By finding purpose, reconnecting with hope, and realizing
one’s potential.
(l) Poet searching for in this world.
He is searching for meaning, purpose, and a reason to continue living.
(m) Poet asks us to remember about
life.
That life itself is the answer, and we must contribute our
verse—our unique role and purpose.