Analysis Of Walt Whitman's Song Of Myself

Walt Whitman’s bold uptake of revolutionizing American poetry makes him one of the most important poets of the 19th century (Whitman 20). In one of his poems, “Song of Myself,” Walt Whitman molds himself to ideals that he believes can be branded as the “ideal” American. This poem is a very long one and it essentially is a compilation of life experiences of his. In a way, it is almost as though he is talking to himself. He questions himself several times through this work, and in a way it feels as though he is actually beginning to dwell into the famous, age-old question: “what is the meaning of life?” What is interesting is that Whitman addresses the fact that his, “…rendezvous is appointed… The Lord will be there and wait till I come on perfect terms” (Whitman 62). He is seemingly accepting of his fate, when the time is near, and it is somewhat chilling to know that he is okay with this. However, he later brings up, “Why should I wish to see God better than this day?” and clarifies that he is not afraid of death, “…And as to you Death, and you bitter hug of mortality, it is idle to try to alarm me” (Whitman 65). One of the
Many events in his life have influenced his writing, not just poetry, but for short works and miscellaneous journalism (Whitman 22). Again, a lot of these themes are influenced by his own life experiences. Walt’s life had taken him through the journeys of being not only a writer, but a teacher, and as well as getting into quite a bit of political work (Whitman 20-23). It can also be noted that throughout the poem, it is easily recognizable to see that Whitman has a very liberal attitude and style. He goes against the norms by, “…rejecting the conventional suit jacket…and stands with one hand in pocket, workingman’s hat tilted, and collar unbuttoned” (Whitman