Diversity In Walt Whitman's 'Crossing Brooklyn Ferry'

Have you ever sat at a booth in a restaurant, or leaned against a pole planted on the side of the road, and wondered how many other people had been there before you? Or took the time to imagine all the millions of people that will come after you, and fill that same empty space? When I find myself in moments like these, I begin to grasp a larger perspective on humanity. Not only do I start to see how we as people are habitual in nature, but also the common ground that we all stand on. The beauty of this similarity in a world of diversity is astounding. Walt Whitman was able to capture that subtle beauty in his poem “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry.” He takes the time to describe the different pieces of scenery people can see while on the ferry and the

During this part, the narrator takes note that his fellow passengers are not taking this sort of notice in the scenery beyond the ferry. ( Berke, A., Bleil, R., Cofer, J., & Davis, D. Pg. 43) The way Whitman chose to word this part is brilliant. He is able to really describe how it feels when a person becomes aware of their surroundings and the steps their minds take as those thoughts are formed. The narrator says things like “how curious you are to me!” and then “and more in my meditations, than you might suppose” ( Berke, A., Bleil, R., Cofer, J., & Davis, D. pg. 43 ) its in these moments the narrator is beginning to formulate his awareness. As he moves forward he begins to take note of how the other passengers are entering the ferry, and where they will be going after they leave. While he notices their activity he takes a deeper thought of how timeless these actions are, implying the repetitive cycle these people are a part of. As the narrator begins to notice the sky, and steamboats gathering in the harbor, he realizes that just as he had admired the sails sweeping across the distance, many after him will do the same. (Berke, A., Bleil, R., Cofer, J., & Davis, D. Pg. 44 ) At this moment is when the beauty of this poem shines the brightest. He describes how many, many times before he has become lost in the beauty around him only to be found by the sensation of his feet beneath him.

Giving him the ability to imagine the future passengers doing the same tasks as himself. Noticing the sails, watching the steamboats, and becoming lost in the world around them. At this moment the narrator shifts his thoughts to a much darker tone. He starts to question whether anyone else will notice these things, or is he alone in these thoughts. He quickly realizes that other passengers will feel this way as well, and gives a sort of message to them, saying that they are not alone, he to had these thoughts as well. He warns of the anger to come when believing others do not understand the world as you do. To me the anger he expresses seems to be due to the nature of people, and how they choose to live life by blindly walking the earth not taking note of anything around them. He starts to question if anyone would if he were happy or mad, or if he was even enjoying riding the ferry. ( Berke, A., Bleil, R., Cofer, J., & Davis, D. Pg. 46 ) It is almost as if he wants people to talk about the similarities they have when looking at the sky, and pondering the past and present. He is craving for some to take notice and speak up, not just about his own thoughts, but about anything. The fact that he is able to understand this anger and the reasoning behind it, shows so much about his awareness of the