5 CONCLUSION (Part 5)
We quote two passages from “Song of the Open Road.” Both show the main theme of this chant, which is the invitation to travel, because Whitman always liked to be in the open air, in direct contact with nature. In this poem he can combine this love for nature with his desire for vastness and the search for the unknown; especially in search of the great comrades, the “great Companions, and to belong to them.” But there is also the symbolism of the road, for it represents the roads of the universe that are traveled by the souls, and that everything that is experienced on the roads of the earth is all designed to the progress of the souls, which includes religion. For this reason, the first quotation below sounds like a biblical speech. The second, the last stanza of the poem, is the part where the poet offers his hand, his love and the invitation for the reader to travel with him.
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WHITMAN:
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Listen! I will be honest with you,
I do not offer the old smooth prizes, but offer rough new prizes,
These are the days that must happen to you:
You shall not heap up what is call’d riches,
You shall scatter with lavish hand all that you earn or achieve,
You but arrive at the city to which you were destin’d, you hardly settle yourself to satisfaction before you are call’d by an irresistible call to depart,
You shall be treated to the ironical smiles and mockings of those who remain behind you,
What beckonings of love you receive you shall only answer with passionate kisses of parting,
You shall not allow the hold of those who spread their reach’d hands toward you.
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OUR RE-CREATION (“Canção da Estrada Aberta“):
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Ouve! serei honesto contigo,
Não ofereço os velhos prêmios finos, mas ofereço novos prêmios toscos,
Estes são os dias que devem te acontecer:
Não acumularás o que se chama riquezas,
Espalharás com mão pródiga tudo aquilo que ganhares ou alcançares,
Mal chegas à cidade a qual foste destinado, mal te acomodas satisfatoriamente e já és chamado por um irresistível apelo a partir,
Receberás sorrisos irônicos e escárnios dos que permanecem para trás,
Responderás aos acenos de amor que recebes somente com ardentes beijos de despedida,
Não permitirás a retenção dos que esticam suas mãos estendidas em tua direção.
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WHITMAN:
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[…]
Camerado, I give you my hand!
I give you my love more precious than money,
I give you myself before preaching or law;
Will you give me yourself? will you come travel with me?
Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?
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OUR RE-CREATION:
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[...]
Camarada, te dou minha mão!
Te dou meu amor que vale mais que dinheiro,
Eu me dou a ti sem sermão ou lei;
Tu te darás a mim? virás viajar comigo?
Seremos leais enquanto vivermos?
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