Poem: O Me! O Life!

 

O  Me!  O Life! 

What is the main theme of the poem?

Ans:  The main theme is the meaning and value of human life. The poet wonders about the sadness and struggles of life, but finally says life is meaningful because each person can contribute something important.

ii. What recurring questions does the poet mention?

Ans:  The poet repeatedly asks what good or purpose exists in a world full of foolishness, failure, and disappointment. He wonders why life matters despite all its problems.

iii. What does the poet mean by ‘useless years’?

Ans: “Useless years” means the years wasted without purpose, achievement, or happiness. It refers to time spent without meaningful contribution.

iv. Is age an identity marker? What are the attributes of old age?

Ans:  Yes, age can shape identity. Old age is often linked with tiredness, regret, disappointment, and reflection on past mistakes, as suggested in the poem’s sad tone.

v. What do ‘sordid’ and ‘plodding’ mean?

 Sordid = dirty, unpleasant, morally low

 Plodding = moving slowly and heavily without excitement

vi. What ‘faith’ does the poet mention here?

👉Ans: The poet refers to faith in life and humanity — belief that life still has value and meaning despite struggles.

vii. Is there a symbolic meaning of ‘contribute a verse’ in the last line?

Ans: Yes. It symbolically means each person should add something valuable to the world — through actions, creativity, kindness, or achievements.

viii. Do you find the answer section of the poem convincing?

Ans: Yes. The answer is hopeful and uplifting. It reminds us that life matters because we exist and can make a difference.

Summary: 👉 O Me! O Life! is a reflective poem where Walt Whitman expresses his disappointment with human weakness, repeated mistakes, and the emptiness he sees in society. He questions whether life has any purpose in such a world. In the end, he answers his own question with hope: life is valuable because we are alive and each person has the chance to add something meaningful to the world. The poem encourages readers to recognize their importance and contribute positively to life.

O Me! O Life! একটি চিন্তাশীল কবিতা যেখানে ওয়াল্ট হুইটম্যান মানুষের দুর্বলতা, বারবার ভুল করা এবং সমাজের শূন্যতা দেখে তার হতাশা প্রকাশ করেছেন। তিনি প্রশ্ন করেন, এমন একটি পৃথিবীতে জীবনের কোনো উদ্দেশ্য আছে কি না। শেষে তিনি আশাবাদী উত্তর দেন—জীবন মূল্যবান, কারণ আমরা বেঁচে আছি এবং প্রত্যেক মানুষেরই পৃথিবীতে অর্থপূর্ণ কিছু যোগ করার সুযোগ আছে। কবিতাটি পাঠকদের নিজেদের গুরুত্ব বুঝতে এবং জীবনে ইতিবাচক অবদান রাখতে উৎসাহ দেয়।