America
The first stanza describes the American flag flowing in the air and presenting the stars spangled on it proudly. Melville also gives hints towards the freedom this flag represents and the birth of a new nation.
In stanza two, the a battle scene is described and the flag, representing America as a new nation, is saddened by the fighting in her offspring, the nation's people.
The third stanza speaks of the reflective nature of this flag, and describes a woman sleeping. There is a dream envisioning an unsettling sight, where the dreamer is left wrapped in the flag.
Finally, in the fourth stanza, the woman awakens. She is calm but has experienced pain. Knowledge, power and hope are mentioned, alongside a repressed triumph. The young are said to be developing to be aged, and the woman reflects the law in her forehead and the whole empire in her eyes. She lifts the flag and keeps it on a crag.
Art
This poem develops the idea of artistic inspiration. In peaceful moments one contemplates an undiscovered or unexplored idea. Many possibilities arise in the mind about what could come of it if certain measures are taken. Melville describes some contrasts that must mesh together, in order to wrestle and Art, which is portrayed as an angel. These things are a flame heating whilst a wind freezes simultaneously, a patience and an anticipation, pridefulness and humility, audacious natures and pride. There is also love and hate, complete opposites, and instinct and studying. Melville states that these must fuse with Jacob's heart.
A shark is describe, along with the loyal little pilot-fish stuck by its side. This little fish does not need to fear the shark or its fierce bite. In fact, as well as perching on along its body, when there is danger they can seek safety and refuge in its mouth. They help the shark find food, but eat none of it itself.
