Leaves of Grass · Chapter
City of Ships explained
The poet celebrates the city as a global hub of commerce and diversity, then shifts to a warlike tone, declaring that war now replaces peace as his song.
What happens
The poet celebrates the city as a global hub of commerce and diversity, then shifts to a warlike tone, declaring that war now replaces peace as his song.
Themes in this chapter
America and Its People
The city is portrayed as a global gathering of all races and lands, celebrating diversity and contribution.
The Poet as Prophet and Unifier
The poet incarnates the city and declares war as his song, acting as a prophetic voice for the nation.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“City of ships! (O the black ships! O the fierce ships! O the beautiful sharp-bow’d steam-ships and sail-ships!)”
The poet exclaims over the variety of ships in the city's harbor.
Opens with an apostrophe to the city's maritime character.
“War, red war is my song through your streets, O city!”
The poet now sings of war instead of peace as he moves through the city.
Climactic shift from peace to war, reflecting the Civil War context.