Final answer:
Walt Whitman's use of 'untranslatable' indicates the depth of the speaker's being, while 'barbaric yawp' suggests a raw, natural self-expression paralleling a hawk's cry. Whitman blends natural and urban elements to reflect on democracy and individualism, engaging with the Civil War and challenging traditional poetry with his free verse.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walt Whitman uses the word untranslatable to describe the speaker's essence as something that cannot be fully captured or conveyed by ordinary language, implying a depth and complexity that goes beyond words. The barbaric yawp that Whitman mentions suggests a primal and uninhibited self-expression, similar to the natural cry of a hawk, which implies a sense of freedom and connection to the natural world. Through this comparison, Whitman emphasizes the raw and unfiltered nature of the speaker.
Images used by Whitman to describe himself and the world around him often involve both natural and man-made elements, reflecting a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. The shocking aspect of Whitman's poem in 1855 lies in its unconventional structure and content, celebrating the individual and the common man in a time when such notions were not widely accepted. Whitman's poetry has endured because of its ability to speak to the human spirit and connect deeply with readers across time, using clear, simple language and imagery that captures the essence of American democratic ideals and the experience of living through significant historical events like the Civil War.
Whitman's voice in poetry is one of inclusivity and democracy, often engaging with the Civil War by reflecting on the shared human experience and the profound impact of the conflict on the nation. His use of free verse contributes to the sense of liberation and spontaneity in his work, which challenges readers by defying traditional poetic forms but offers a deeper understanding of the verse through its rhythms and candidness.