I Saw in Louisiana a Live-Oak Growing

Question 1

Themes.

Answer 1

• Isolation - the image of solitude in the live-oak seen through phrases like “all alone stood” and “solitary in a wide flat space” serves as a stark contrast to the relationship that the speaker seeks - one of companionship & love.
• Human Connection - the speaker believed that nature facilitated connections between human beings over time, distance & superficial differences as all human beings interact with the same elements of nature.
• Nature - Whitman portrays nature as all-powerful as is forms a uniting bridge across any chasm - ideological or physical.

Question 2

Byrne Fone; themes.

Answer 2

Byrne Fone has shown that the need for affection and the impossibility of solitude which “Louisiana Live-Oak” ultimately assert are pervasive themes.

Question 3

Michael Moon; how the oak reflects Whitman’s poetic practice.

Answer 3

“Whitman recognizes in the live-oak’s ability to “utter joyous leaves” while “standing alone” a reflected image of his own poetic practice.”

Question 4

Symbol of the Live-Oak.

Answer 4

• The live-oak - strong & resilient image of nature which can luxuriate & grow alone.
• In contrast to the live-oak, the human person is highly dependent on human connection. The speaker holds a strong sense of admiration towards the live-oak as it flourishes alone.

Question 5

“I saw in Louisiana a live-oak growing”

Answer 5

• Human interaction with nature

Question 6

“All alone stood it and the moss hung down from the branches”

Answer 6

• Independent
• The moss indicates that other living beings depend on the strength of the tree.
• The moss hints at the length of time it has been around, but it still continues to thrive.

Question 7

“Without any companion it grew there uttering joyous leaves of dark green”

Answer 7

• The tree is alone, yet it remains joyous.
• Indication of resilience & independence.

Question 8

“But I wonder’d how it could utter joyous leaves standing alone there without its friend near, for I knew I could not”

Answer 8

• The speaker’s lack of understanding of how the tree could “utter joyous leaves” marks their difference.
• His admittance of being unable to live without companionship highlights living in a community & human being’s need to depend on & support one another.

Question 9

The speaker “broke off a twig” to place “it in sight in [his] room”.

Answer 9

• A reminder of the resilience of the tree.

Question 10

Symbol of the twig.

Answer 10

• signifies “manly love”
• suggests that poetry is inspired by the poet’s deepest & most authentic feelings, whatever value the surrounding society may place on them.