Appreciation of ‘Animals’ Poem: Themes, Meaning & Insights
When I first read Walt Whitman’s “Animals” as a teenager, I thought it was just another poem about a guy who was really into cows. Fast forward a few decades, and I’ve come to realize it’s way more than that. It’s about humans, animals, and everything in between—our constant struggle to find meaning, and how maybe, just maybe, we’ve been doing it all wrong.
Anyway, let me break it down. If you’re looking to truly appreciate this poem, grab a comfy chair, a cup of coffee (or whatever you need to get through high school English), and let’s dive into the beauty of “Animals” and what Whitman was really trying to say. Spoiler alert: It’s not about cows.
What’s the Poem About?
So here’s the kicker. Whitman’s poem isn’t about loving animals the way we love our pets (though, I do love my dog more than some people). It’s about recognizing the purity and simplicity of animals compared to, well, humans. He’s basically saying, “Hey, animals have it figured out,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Now, I love animals. My dog, Charlie, is basically my spirit animal, but Whitman? He’s serious about this. The appreciation of the poem “animals” starts when we look at the deeper message. It’s not just about a cute puppy rolling in the grass—Whitman’s pointing out how animals live without the baggage of guilt, self-doubt, and existential crises that humans tend to carry around. That’s kind of a mood, right?
Major Themes in “Animals”
Alright, y’all, let’s talk themes. Whitman’s poem is like a giant animal-filled mirror showing us how not to live. And yes, I’m definitely guilty of this. You ever sit there, overthinking about how you could’ve been an artist, but instead, you ended up selling insurance? No? Just me?
1. Innocence and Purity of Animals
Whitman goes in on how animals are pure and uncomplicated. He’s basically saying animals are living their best, guilt-free lives, while humans are out here creating problems out of thin air. Honestly, I envy that simplicity. Like, how do we get back to that? If I could go back to being a 3-year-old, I’d probably do it in a heartbeat.
Appreciation of animals also means appreciating their lack of overthinking. Animals just exist. No drama. No “should I have ordered the spaghetti instead?” moments. Animals don’t overanalyze that awkward conversation you had at the coffee shop last week. They’re just chill. I need some of that energy in my life.
2. Freedom and Natural Existence
Now, let me tell you. The way Whitman talks about freedom is enough to make you want to throw away all your responsibilities and run into the woods (no? Just me again? Okay, moving on). Animals, in Whitman’s eyes, are free from the weight of societal rules. They don’t have mortgages, taxes, or emails to reply to. Lucky them. I mean, have you seen the freedom in a dog running through a field? Pure bliss.
I’ve watched Charlie run in circles until he drops, and I just know—he’s living his best life. The appreciation of animals is, in part, about longing for that freedom. If only humans could strip away the weight of expectations and just exist like that. Maybe we should all take a page from Whitman’s book. Or better yet, from Charlie’s.
3. Humans vs. Animals
This is where Whitman really hits the nail on the head. He’s comparing animals to humans, and let’s be real here—humans don’t come out looking too good. Animals don’t have to deal with the overwhelming weight of existential dread we’ve got going on.
We’re constantly seeking answers to the meaning of life, while animals? They don’t give a damn. They’re just doing their thing, and maybe that’s something we should admire. I mean, animals don’t have to worry about finding the perfect Instagram filter. I wish.
What’s the Deeper Meaning?
Alright, I know what you’re thinking. “Great, Whitman likes animals, but what’s the point?” Well, it’s not just about animals being cooler than humans (though, let’s be honest, they are). It’s about something bigger: humans are less authentic than animals.
Wait, let me backtrack. Whitman’s trying to tell us that animals live more authentically than we do. They don’t struggle with the self-doubt and anxiety that humans face. Now, I don’t know about you, but I definitely find myself wondering if I’m doing life wrong at least once a week (usually after watching a TED talk about minimalism).
1. Humans: Overthinkers by Nature
Whitman believes that animals live in the moment without that nagging voice of doubt. We’ve all had those days where we’re paralyzed by indecision. For example, should I get another latte today or start my diet (again)? Animals? They just get up and chase a squirrel, without the guilt. Must be nice.
2. Animals as Spiritual Beacons
Wait—Whitman didn’t just see animals as cute little creatures. He saw them as spiritual guides. Maybe animals are onto something when it comes to living authentically. I’m still trying to figure out how to do this without my boss thinking I’m slacking off. But hey, I’ve always said I’d be a better person if I could just live like my dog.
Key Insights from “Animals”
Let’s talk about the insights Whitman’s poem offers. Because, let’s face it, there are some pearls of wisdom in here that I’ll never forget.
1. Learning Humility from Animals
Whitman’s admiration for animals shows us that we might be better off adopting some of their qualities. Like humility. Animals don’t overcomplicate things. They live by their instincts and, honestly, if I could just stop overthinking my life choices for 10 minutes, I’d be a lot happier.
2. Reclaiming Simplicity
I’m convinced that part of the reason animals are so cool is because they don’t overcomplicate everything. Imagine if humans could get back to living simply. No tech, no meetings, no “busy” life, just being. This sounds like something I’d read in a self-help book, but it’s actually just Whitman reminding us to calm down.
How the Poem’s Structure Mirrors Its Message
Whitman’s free verse? Perfect. He’s basically doing what animals do: no constraints. His use of free verse is a reflection of the freedom that animals enjoy. It’s a subtle way of saying: don’t box me in. The whole structure of the poem mirrors the natural way animals exist—unconfined by rules.
1. A Reflection of Freedom
The free verse style—no strict rhyme schemes, no formal stanzas—is basically Whitman saying, “Look, I’m doing my thing.” And you know what? It’s genius. The structure of the poem is the message. It’s telling us to embrace the freedom Whitman sees in animals.
2. Imagery of the Natural World
In the poem, Whitman uses sparse but vivid imagery to paint a picture of nature. I imagine him sitting outside, watching a squirrel do squirrel things, and thinking, “Man, why can’t I just live like that?”
What Do We Really Learn from “Animals”?
Okay, now that I’ve rambled on about animals and the human condition, let me tell you the real takeaway: Maybe we’re doing it all wrong. Maybe we should all aim to live a little more like the animals we admire. It’s not just about petting the dog—it’s about living authentically, simply, and without unnecessary complication.
Anyway, I’m going to try and embrace a little more animal energy in my life. I mean, how hard can it be? I’m going to start by running in circles. Or at least, I’ll think about it.
Final Thoughts: Why Whitman’s Poem Still Matters
The appreciation of the poem animals is more than just a fondness for furry creatures—it’s a call to reevaluate how we live. So, here’s the thing: I’m not saying you should go out and start talking to your dog like he’s your therapist (though, I mean, I might try that myself). But maybe, just maybe, we could all stand to learn a little bit from the animals. They’ve got something figured out that we’ve somehow lost along the way.
