In "Specimen Days," Whitman mentions that he was coming out of an opera when he heard the news of the war for several reasons:
1. **To Provide a Personal Experience:** Whitman includes this detail to give the reader insight into his personal experience and state of mind at the time he received the news. By setting the scene in this way, he creates a vivid and relatable context for the reader to understand the impact of the war news on him.
2. **To Contrast the Worlds of Art and Conflict:** By juxtaposing the setting of the opera with the news of war, Whitman may be highlighting the contrast between the world of art, beauty, and culture represented by the opera, and the harsh reality of war and conflict. This can serve to emphasize the sudden intrusion of violent events into everyday life.
3. **To Illustrate the Disruption Caused by War:** The choice of being at an opera before hearing about the war can symbolize the abrupt disruption and contrast between moments of leisure, joy, and artistic appreciation, and the harsh realities of war and its impact on society. Whitman may be using this contrast to underline the jarring nature of war and its ability to interrupt and overshadow normal life.
Overall, Whitman's inclusion of the opera setting serves to enrich the narrative, provide a personal touch to the storytelling, and offer a deeper reflection on the themes of art, culture, and the intrusion of war into daily life.
