Question

What two subjects do the speaker observe? A noiseless patient slider

Answer 1

The poem “A Noiseless Patient Spider” by Walt Whitman describes the speaker’s observation of a spider and his own soul. The spider is one of the subjects that the speaker observes. The spider is described as “noiseless” and “patient,” and the speaker watches it launch filaments into the air, seeking to connect with the vast surrounding space. The second subject that the speaker observes is his own soul, which he describes as “surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space.” The speaker muses on the idea of connecting his soul to the larger world, much like the spider is trying to connect with the space around it. The poem is a meditation on the themes of isolation, connection, and creativity

Answer 2

The speaker observes a "noiseless patient spider." This arachnid becomes a metaphor for the poet's contemplative process, with the spider's quiet, persistent weaving reflecting the poet's own exploration of thoughts and the broader thematic exploration of the human experience.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speaker in the poem is engaged in contemplation, observing two subjects: a "noiseless" and "patient" spider. The speaker vividly describes the spider's activities as it explores and creates delicate filaments, weaving its web with a sense of persistence and determination. The use of the adjectives "noiseless" and ""patient"" suggests a quiet, deliberate effort on the part of the spider, emphasizing its solitary and focused nature.

The first subject, the "noiseless" spider, captures the speaker's attention, becoming a metaphor for the poet's own contemplative process. The spider's quiet, methodical weaving of its web mirrors the poet's exploration and expression of thoughts through words. The speaker is drawn to the spider's solitary activity, finding a connection between the spider's patient craftsmanship and the speaker's own creative endeavors.

The observation of the spider becomes a metaphorical reflection on the poet's inner thoughts and the process of creating meaning through language. The second subject, implicit in the poem, is the larger thematic exploration of the human experience, creativity, and the interconnectedness of life.

Through the spider's silent endeavor, the poet contemplates the human soul's persistent efforts to connect, express, and weave meaningful connections in the vast and sometimes isolating expanse of existence."