Structure and symbolism in the poem, ‘A Noiseless Patient Spider,’ by Walt Whitman
‘A Noiseless Patient Spider‘ is a descriptive poem composed by Walt Whitman. This poem is short and consists of two stanzas. The first stanza describes the qualities of spider and the second stanza depicts the same qualities but for human soul. Whitman has compared spider and a human soul. Even if spider is visible and soul is invisible, both are similar in some ways. This poem is well written and uses symbolism. Spider stands for soul. Let’s see the structure;
1. First stanza- about spider:
In the first stanza, the poet introduces the imagery of spider who is standing isolated. The words, “noiseless, patient, isolated,” emphasize its loneliness. The vacant and vast surrounding seems to haunt it but it begins weaving webs to overpower the surrounding. The act of weaving webs symbolizes the creativity of spider. And the web it weaves, proves its significant existence. The spider keeps doing its work without getting tired.
2. Second stanza- about human soul:
In the second stanza, poet addresses the human soul. He says that human soul too, like spider tries to build a bridge that could link it with the outside world. Spider weaves and human soul meditates, both are creative process. A human soul keeps meditating until he feels connected to the world. In same way, the spider gets indulged in weaving to over the surrounding. Whatever the goals may be, dominating the vacant space or connecting to the outer world, the creative ability is present in both of them.
Comparison:
Though human soul is invisible and spider is visible, both are patient and lonely. Both have the same ability of creativity and hard work. Both try to link themselves to something. By this comparison, poet has kept forward the similarities between a spider and a human soul.
