Unit 5- "Beat! Beat! Drums!"

author:

Walt Whitman

This poem is written in imperative (commands). To whom is the poet speaking?

speaking to the Union Army

Stanza 1 mentions several places that will hear the drums nad bugles first. List those places.

* church
* school
* wedding
* farm

What do those places have in common?

they’re all quiet solemn places

Why will those places hear the drums and bugles first?

they’re the most peaceful and war leaves no peace

What places are mentioned in stanza 2?

* streets
* homes
* court
* work
* concert hall
* market

How do those places differ from those in the first stanza?

They are loud places

Stanza 3 does not mention locations, but conversations. What can the reader infer is said in those conversations?

Don’t go to war

Why do the drums and bugles have to get even louder?

Because they need to be heard over the chaos and drawn out sound

What image does Walt Whitman use to indicate the great volume of sound?

sound begins with a vibration: repetitive words, heavier drums indicating the increase of sound

Find alliteration and repetition. What is her trying to accomplish?

beat, beat drums, blow bugles blow

he is trying to get his point across that war is coming