Sunday, November 30, 2008

Oliver Wendel Holmes

Old Ironsides
Chambered Nautilus

9 comments:

Oliver said...

I had heard of Old Ironsides before, but I never knew that it had a significant purpose. Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote Old Ironsides after the Navy announced that they were going to dismantle the old, legendary ship named the Constitution, which had a crucial role in the War of 1812. Holmes produced the poem in his opposition to the ship's destruction, and had a primary role in saving the ship. This poem has incredibly vivid imagery, and it is no surprise it is still well-known today. Holmes mentions that, at the very least, the sea should be the ship's grave, where it fought, killed, and earned its title and fame, not the at docks as it is stripped of its parts for materials. I really enjoyed this poem because it is easy to read and very powerful, despite its short length.

Leah Setar said...

By talking about the old warships, this poem also dwells on the past, making it romantic!

alli said...

This poem really puts emphasis on Holmes' oppostion to the distruction of the Constitution, stating his desire to save the ship and keep in intact! Also Holmes gives the impression that by stripping the ship for scrap metal is like stripping the ship of its integrity.

Leah Setar said...

Destruction*

You're welcome, Alli! Even with your typo, that was a very good point. Good symbolism and metaphorical findings.

alli said...

muchos gracias

mdworman said...

This poem is filled with imagery which is one of the reasons I liked it. Holmes did a great job discussing every detail making the poem more interesting.

mdworman said...

The Chambered Nautilus is very similar to Ironsides. They both talk about the and dwell on the past. I think dwelling on the past was a common idea displayed throughout many of Holmes works which is what made him a great romanticist poet.

Leah Setar said...

Holmes also has a distinct form to his poetry, another aspect of romantic poetry.

alli said...

I didn't like Chambered Natulis that much, I mean it was written well and all but I didn't find it as interesting as say "The Red Masque of Death".