Poems can evoke many different responses, depending on their subject matter. One such spider poem posted to TikTok has brought many people close while also prompting them to consider life among these creatures.
What does this poem explore, and what is its theme or intent?
The Subject
A TikTok video with a poem about spiders has gone viral as people find its touching and moving message to be inspirational. While spiders may cause nightmares for some people, this poem draws upon Walt Whitman’s writing based on “A Noiseless Patient Spider.”
Whitman uses this poem to explore the idea of connection and isolation, using the spider as an extended metaphor for his soul that remains alone but constantly longs to connect with something outside itself. This theme appears frequently throughout Whitman’s poetry and often strikes a chord with readers today.
The poem begins by depicting a spider sitting alone on a small ledge or promontory – this imagery instantly makes the spider seem more extensive and more critical than other insects. Subsequently, we learn of its active sending out of filaments into its surroundings to emphasize how important connection is for this particular insect. This action repeats throughout the poem to emphasize this quest for relationship among spiders.
These filaments symbolize hope, as the spider manages to make connections even while isolated from others. The poem concludes by suggesting that just like its web, our soul will eventually find the bridge it needs for fulfillment and connection with other living beings.
An integral element of this poem is its sense of motion, created through descriptions such as that of a spider’s constant web-spinning, an action that parallels soulful movement; this energy gives life and vibrancy to this piece of writing.
The final line of the poem is compelling because it indicates that the spider will ultimately achieve what it seeks – an image that symbolizes how our souls strive to connect with something more tangible, even if that may seem impossible at times.
The Tone
The tone of this poem begins meditatively but then grows more urgent as its poet ties the spider to his soul. He witnesses how it continually releases filament to make connections – as his soul strives for meaning in life – which mirrors how its poem itself is written with long lines that look like threads from a spider’s web.
Another significant element in this poem is the speaker’s sense of isolation, serving as a poignant reminder that even when one feels connected, life can often seem lonely and disconnected. However, the poem ends with an important message: it’s essential to continue seeking connections even if they seem impossible or hopeless at times; ultimately, the poem conveys fear doesn’t warrant death, which serves as a timely message in light of recent police violence against black Americans in America.
This short poem comprises only two stanzas, each composed of five lines. Written in free verse and without rhyme scheme, this piece utilizes various poetic devices – metaphors, imagery – to set an emotional scene: first, the spider itself is described, while in the second verse, the speaker connects it to their soul.
One of the most striking elements of this poem is its use of metaphors. “Noiseless” describes a spider’s lack of vocal presence, making for an exciting contrast with the sound of his voice while reading aloud the poem. Line two’s assonance between “silent” and “songless” works exceptionally well, while using “vast” to describe his surroundings is also quite effective.
Line seven’s use of future tense suggests that the spider’s work will continue even after death, offering a powerful metaphor for human life and death. As we approach our ends, the idea that our souls remain immortal while our bodies decay can be helpfully contemplated.
The Setting
The poem begins with its speaker observing an inoffensive, patient spider on a rock. As they watch it weave its web and leave its mark on its surroundings, the writer likens this activity to his soul’s efforts at connecting with the world. A second identical stanza later uses this imagery as a symbolic connection between spider and soul, drawing readers’ attention to this linkage and helping readers comprehend its importance.
The spider is placed atop a “promontory,” or high point or lookout in human terms, to lend it dignity and consciousness. This powerful positioning adds significant meaning to the poem itself.
As the poem unfolds, a spider spreads its filaments across its vast environment – serving as a metaphor for its speaker’s soul, which feels isolated but seeks ways to connect with society around it. The poem suggests that their spirit will keep doing this even when feeling hopelessly lost until they find success in reaching out and connecting.
To emphasize this idea further, the long lines in each stanza can be read as filaments of a spider’s web; furthermore, commas at the ends of each line suggest that threads will continue their journey until they find something to catch.
At one point, the spider captures and kills a wasp who fights valiantly to break free. This powerful allegory for how God can break Satan’s web of sin for mankind illustrates this point well – as represented by those entrapped within its web-like wasps who attempt to escape, with whom He can free them to live their lives with joy just like nightingales singing from within their cages.
The final stanza of this poem depicts an allegory for human sinfulness that shows its power over us all if allowed to prevail, with God offering protection and love through his kindness to help overcome it. It’s an elegant conclusion to a powerful poem.
The Symbolism
Spider symbolism represents those shadow aspects of yourself that may be holding you back and encourages a deeper examination of these negative beliefs that could be harming you. Furthermore, it reminds us to plan our work carefully and move at our own pace so as not to become trapped in an impenetrable web that’s difficult or impossible to escape from.
Native American tribes such as the Cherokee tell tales of a Spider Grandmother. According to these accounts, she lives underground until people need her assistance; when needed, she pops out and uses her skills and knowledge for good – becoming the embodiment of staying hidden but making an impactful statement at once.
Spiders, with eight legs representing infinity in numerology, serve as a potent reminder that we are connected to everything within the universe and its resources – especially helpful if we find ourselves facing difficult circumstances. If this spirit animal appears in your life, take this as a sign from it to stay grounded when facing difficulties.
Egypt recognizes an association between Neith, or Spider Goddess, and Mary and Joseph’s journey through Egypt by protecting by hiding them within her webs. According to tradition, she provided essential assistance as Mary and Joseph traversed her realm.
Greek mythology offers another iconic story about Arachne, who challenged Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, to a weaving competition. When Athena destroyed Arachne’s web and won, Arachne hanged herself – which can be taken as a warning against overachieving and the importance of knowing oneself and acknowledging your strengths and limitations.
Spider symbolism has long been linked with communication. This may be in part because the Latin word for “spider” translates to vote, meaning voice; Greeks believed that listening to its call could help create anything you desired.
Modern society often associates Spider Symbolism with communication. Spiders can be found everywhere, making them a natural representation of this power.