by hefnerbe | Mar 30, 2011 | IV. Cape Hatteras
Epigraph to Cape Hatteras by Walt Whitman: Robert Combs explains in his book Vision of the Voyage that, “The epigraph for ‘Cape Hatteras’…points toward a very different consummation—it is simply the end of life joyfully accepted…the title page of this poem points to...
by hefnerbe | Mar 30, 2011 | IV. Cape Hatteras
Line 32: “Glistered”- To glisten. Also, an archaic word for glitter (OED). Line 32: “Salver”- One who salves or heals; applied to Christ or the Virgin Mary (OED). Line 33: “Crucible”- A vessel made of a refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for...
by hefnerbe | Mar 30, 2011 | IV. Cape Hatteras
Line 67: “Verities” – from the Latin word ‘veritas;’ truths (OED). Line 68: “Dynamos” – Dynamo; a machine for converting energy in the form of mechanical power into energy in the form of electric currents (OED). Line 71:...
by hefnerbe | Mar 30, 2011 | IV. Cape Hatteras
Line 103: “larval” – 1. Of or pertaining to a larva or grub; characteristic of a larva. 2. Of an animal: In the condition of a larva. 3. Pathol. Of a disease: Latent, undeveloped. Also, ‘applied to certain diseases in which the skin of the face is...
by hefnerbe | Mar 30, 2011 | IV. Cape Hatteras
Line 156: “The stars have grooved”- “In stanza eleven…the stars are associated with victimizing values, and we are reminded of all the promises and prophecies that take a man’s fancy in the movie theatre of ‘To Brooklyn Bridge’ and on the train of ‘The River’” (Combs...
by hefnerbe | Mar 30, 2011 | IV. Cape Hatteras
Line 198: “Panis Angelicus”: The strophe of Sacris solemniis that begins with the words “Panis angelicus” (bread of angels) has often been set to music separately from the rest of the hymn. Line 199: “diametric”: Relating to or of the nature of a diameter;...
