The Sense of Self and the Omniscient I in Whitmans Song of Myself
Introduction
Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" is an epic poem that celebrates the individual self while exploring the interconnectedness of all things. The poem is filled with imagery and symbolism, and it is characterized by an omnipresent "I" that seems to encompass all of humanity. Whitman's conception of the self in this poem is one that is both public and universal while simultaneously deeply personal. This essay will examine the sense of self and the omniscient "I" present in "Song of Myself" and explore how Whitman's perception of self relates to the common public perception of the self at the time, historically and culturally.
The Self and I
The sense of self in "Song of Myself" is both individualistic and universal. On the one hand, Whitman celebrates the uniqueness of the self, urging the reader to "celebrate [their]self" (line 1) and declaring "I am large, I contain multitudes" (line 135). At the same time, however, Whitman sees the self as interconnected with all things, stating "Every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you" (line 17) and "I am the mate and companion of people, all just as immortal and fathomless as myself" (line 20). The self, in Whitman's view, is not an isolated entity but rather a part of a larger whole.
The omniscient "I" in "Song of Myself" is Whitman's attempt to convey this interconnectedness. The "I" is all-encompassing, representing not only Whitman himself but also the reader and all of humanity. Thus, this omniscient "I" is not only a reflection of an exalted and universal spirit of egoism but also a recognition of the fundamental unity of all things: The "I" is an attempt to transcend individual consciousness and tap into a larger, more universal consciousness. It is the identity of the Transcendentalist, unbounded, representing all of humanity even as it represents Whitman himself.
Whitman's perception of self in "Song of Myself" is reflective of the cultural and historical context in which it was written. The mid-19th century in America was a time of great social and cultural change, and the concept of the self was being explored by thinkers, poets, and philosophers. Whitman's celebration of the individual self and his belief in the interconnectedness of all things supported this exploration and the emerging ideas of transcendentalism within the wider romantic movement.
The common perception of the self at that time had been one rooted in Christian thinking: for most people of the 19th century, salvation was still a somewhat important concept, something offered by way of Christianity. For religious Christians, it still held some importance for the individual soul. Whitman and other...
…in lines such as: "Divine am I inside and out, and I make holy whatever I touch or am touched from, The scent of these arm-pits aroma finer than prayer, This head more than churches, bibles, and all the creeds." With these words, Whitman is suggesting that the self is capable of achieving a kind of divinity through its connection to the natural world and to other individuals (Reynolds).Taken together, these examples illustrate Whitman's unique view of the self as a source of wonder and beauty, intimately connected to the natural world and to other individuals, and capable of achieving a kind of divine status through its creative energy and vitality. He moves away from the traditional Christian conception of the self as a sinful, fallen creature in need of redemption, instead embracing a more self-sufficient, egoistic view of the self.
In conclusion, Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" is a complex and multifaceted exploration of the self and its relationship to the world. Whitman's celebration of the individual self and his belief in the interconnectedness of all things are reflective of the cultural and historical context in which the poem was written. However, Whitman's unique perspective on the self, rejecting traditional Christian views and embracing a romantic, Transcendentalist vision, set him apart from many of his contemporaries and helped alter the course of American…
Works Cited
Whitman, Walt. "Song of Myself." Leaves of Grass. 1855.
Reynolds, David S. Walt Whitman's America: A Cultural Biography. Vintage, 1996.
Richardson, Robert D. Emerson: The Mind on Fire. University of California Press, 1995.
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