Everyone faces problems, hardships, and exclusion in their lives. Everyone wants to be happy and accepted. No one wants to be the cast out, the person kept out of the link or the one who cannot see or understand what is going on. In the poem “A Noiseless Patient Spider” by Walt Whitman, the reader can observe an underlying theme of struggle and acceptance that can relate to our lives today.

For example, the poem discusses a soul that is searching for something and trying to accomplish something. Whitman describes the soul as “Surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space”. The reader can view this soul as a person who is living a somewhat somber life without many meaningful relationships or glad times spent with friends or family. This person is surrounded by others but has never made connections, joined the group, or been included; the soul is like the new kid at school who comes in and knows no one. Moreover, the next line of the poem says the soul is, “Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them”. The lonely person is trying to be included, trying to fit in and be accepted. The person is waiting for anyone to befriend them, and the person reaches for recognition just to see that someone cares. Too often in our lives today we come across people like this soul, but we do not go out of our way to give attention to these people and make them feel comfortable.

Additionally, next the soul, Whitman paints a picture of a spider that provides a meaningful example of what can be done in lonesome siturations. The spider is all alone and is shooting out filament trying to make a web for itself. Like the soul, the spider is alone and is trying to make connections. The spider is launching things out of itself in an attempt to make a home where it will be comfortable and be able to enjoy itself. When speaking of the spider’s filament, Whitman says, “Ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them”. From the spider, the reader can learn to be persistent and purpose driven. The spider is patient and noiseless, not drawing attention to itself but just doing what must be done for it to accomplish its goal. Many people today are confronted with uncomfortable situations, but they just make the situation worse by trying t0o hard to get people to notice them.

In conclusion, Whitman’s poem is full of deep meaning that all kinds of readers from countless, diverse backgrounds can relate to and take something from. The poem teaches us to become more aware of those around us that may be lonely or struggling. The poem also gives useful advice on how to deal with hardships that we may face – such as struggles to be accepted or understand something.