Comparing Conversation With Death In Walt Whitman's Song Of Myself

The only certainty in life is death. It’s the only absolute we have within existence, yet the thought of dying strikes fear in the hearts of many. The thought of leaving family and friends behind, never making a mark on the world, or the disappearance of an individual’s unique qualities petrifies many people. For others, the uncertainty of the afterlife or the thought that there is nothing after our temporal existence is incredibly frightening. Walt Whitman is an example of the former, terrified of being forgotten, while Emily Dickinson is an example of the latter, unsure of existence after death. In Song of Myself, Whitman reveals his attitude towards the process of death and proves his fear of dying, which is uniquely American. Emily Dickinson’s fixation with death stems from her uncertainty of the afterlife. Close examination of concise language, diction, and tone, lead to a clear view of the
Both Whitman and Dickinson use precise word choice, tone, and language that show their contrary beliefs. With distinctly different writing styles, it is essential to examine aspects of the language each author uses. Whitman, known for garrulous writing, has many ideas drawn out over a long period of time. This creates layers of meaning throughout the whole piece. For example, in Canto 6, Whitman comments death doesn’t truly exist and if it did it, “ceased the moment life appeared” (Whitman). Through close exploration of the language, such as the use of a harsh verb like ceased, one can understand Whitman’s fear of death. In accordance with Transcendental views, Whitman believes that life is a continuous cycle without a definitive end. Since one never truly dies, in the eyes of Whitman, death doesn’t exist. This reflects