Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" continues to evoke strong emotions because of the paradox inherent in the juxtaposition between egotism on the one hand and selfless idealism on the other. The poem therefore encapsulates what it means to be an American, which is why other American poets -- and indeed poets from around the world -- have responded to "Song of Myself" poignantly. When Whitman penned "Song of Myself," the poet was imbuing verse with powerful social commentary that belies the relatively simple diction, tone, and style used. The poet reacts to the troubles in 19th century America, including but not limited to slavery and racism, urbanization and capitalism. Whitman draws attention to the fact that the United States has built itself as an ideal: "the hand of God is the promise of my own." Yet that ideal has been stymied by the struggle for equality, epitomized most noticeably and overtly in the struggle for civil rights. Whereas America promises to be the land of the free, it "now it seems to me the beautiful uncut hair of graves." Other poets have responded to Whitman, engaging in ongoing poetic dialogue about the ongoing fight for social justice. "Song of Myself"...
Yet it tells not a narrative story but instead seeks to capture the essence of unmet dreams and ideals. In "Song of Myself," Whitman also paints an accurate portrait of the growing United States during the era of expansion through the western territories. As genocide of Native Americans and African-Americans consumes the poet's thoughts, Whitman also reflects on the fact that the United States establishes itself as a diverse and multifaceted social landscape. The poet uses imagery of the natural world, from mundane elements like leaves of grass, as well as "moths" and "fish eggs." The use of mundane imagery underscores one of the themes of "Song of Myself," which is the impetus to rise up and transcend one's limitations, as well as to find beauty in the natural world. The poet calls for readers to be humble ("I reckon I behave no prouder than the level I plant my house by, after all") but also interested in aspiring to greater heights. Whitman pinpoints "the murmur of yearning" in the hearts and minds of readers.
In "Song of Myself," the longest and most complex of the three poems from Leaves of Grass, Whitman celebrates not only the self, but also the self with, and among others. This poem has 52 separate sections, each of them uniquely rich in imagery; theme; setting; sensory impressions, and sensuality. Section 1 of the poem, for example, freely celebrates Whitman's "Self": his essence, health, body, individuality, and joy of living,
His constant use of the firs person "I" also shows the strong independent streak in Whitman's character and poetry. "Song of Myself" makes it very clear that this independence is not born of ego, nor does it desire or require isolation. Rather, the independence and freedom of the repeated "I" is of a part with the nature and society that the speaker observes, which ironically seems to call the
Furthermore however, he also understands them. He for instance sympathizes with everything and everyone from older times through today's times. He understands the joys and sorrows of all living things, from a simple leaf to a complex human being. And even in terms of human beings, he understands their complexities. He for instance sympathizes with a stay-at-home woman or with a priest. He also understands the cyclic character of
Walt Whitman One major theme in Whitman is what he frankly refers to as "the love of comrades…the manly love of comrades." (Whitman, "A Song"). Although Walt Whitman is frequently but inaccurately claimed as a "gay" poet -- even though Leaves of Grass was published decades before the words "gay" or "homosexual" had entered the English lexicon -- it is clear that the role this plays in his writing is political.
Walt Whitman, American Author & Poet About his Life: Walt Whitman, an American poet was born on May 31, 1819 and a son of Long Island and the second son of Walter Whitman, a house builder, and Louisa Van Velsor. It was at the age of twelve Whitman began to learn the printer's trade, and become acquainted with the works of Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, and the Bible. Then at the age of 17,
Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson project, in their poetry, an individual identity that achieves its power from within, thus placing a premium on the individual self. Ironically, this premium on the individual self was very much in vogue in America at the time; from Emerson to the early pioneers of 19th century industrialism. As a result, their projections of individual power were greatly influenced by the culture in which
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now