Detailed summary of the poem the hand mirror by waltwhitman
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Answer:
he poem was written at a time when slavery was common in many parts of America. Most slaves lived and worked in inhuman conditions. As a result their bodies showed signs of wear and tear very early. The poet compares the features of his reflection to that of a slave’s.
He continues with his criticisms. His breath smells like that of a drunkyard’s, possibly due to the huge amount of liquor the narrator has been consuming. His food habits have been unhealthy, thus leading to extra deposits of fat and possible patches in his face. He calls this face an ‘unwholesome eater’s face’.
The narrator seems to be suffering from some kind of venereal disease or at least his flesh (probably refers to the skin, in this case) appears that way. Hence the term ‘venerealee’s flesh’. His lungs are decaying bit by bit, perhaps due to excessive smoking, or working in unhealthy conditions. He is suffering from ulcers in his stomach. He has pain in his joints and has clogged bowels due to his unhealthy eating habits. By ‘abomination’, he refers to the fecal matter that is still lodged in his bowels.
Due to his unhealthy habits, even his blood is affected. He perceives his blood to be flowing in ‘dark and poisonous streams’. He is unable to speak with clarity. His hearing and touch lack the precision they once had. His thinking faculties has diminished over time, as has his ability to feel. He has lost his sex appeal too.
The narrator comments that all these can be seen from just one look at the mirror. He concludes by regretting this descent of his body and mind and expresses his surprise at how this descent has happened from glorious beginnings in such a short time.
This is a poem of regret. The narrator compares his present self to his past and feels saddened by his present state. Although he is well clothed, inside he is a decaying man. This realization of his swift descent fills him with pain.
Explanation: