Although Whitman’s arguably most famous poem is entitled “Song of Myself‚” it speaks of more than just the poetic “Walt Whitman” identified early in the poem. Rather‚ Walt Whitman expands his subject in order to talk about things greater than himself and about his ideal America‚ one that is unified and free. In Walt Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself” he defines his ideal America through his decision to speak not only about the relationship between people and nature‚ but about lowliest in American society
Premium Walt Whitman Leaves of Grass Ralph Waldo Emerson
<center><i>Divinity‚ Sexuality and the Self</i></center><br><br>Through his poetry‚ Whitman’s "Song of Myself" makes the soul sensual and makes divine the flesh. In Whitman’s time‚ the dichotomy between the soul and the body had been clearly defined by centuries of Western philosophy and theology. Today‚ the goodness of the soul and the badness of the flesh still remain a significant notion in contemporary thought. Even Whitman’s literary predecessor‚ Emerson‚ chose to distinctly differentiate the
Premium Walt Whitman Leaves of Grass Ralph Waldo Emerson
If I could live each day feeling as Walt Whitman feels in his first section of Song of Myself‚ I would be a much happier person. His lyrics are so cheerful and optimistic that you can’t help but feel better about life in general as you read on. "I celebrate myself‚ and sing myself;" his opening line summarizes his dominating theme for the rest of the poem‚ which is to be yourself and love every atom of that being. Another important theme of the poem brought up in section 1 is "hoping to cease not
Premium Walt Whitman Leaves of Grass 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
Premium Walt Whitman Ralph Waldo Emerson Leaves of Grass
closely ties to the theme of Walt Whitman’s poems. In section 42 of the poem‚ “Song of Myself‚” Walt Whitman uses language to convey the idea that everything is connected to him. Whitman first writes how people are connected to him‚ then how everyone has similar experiences as one another‚ and finally‚ Whitman structures his poems in a particular fashion to connect everything together. Section 42 of “Song of Myself” expresses many ideas that Walt Whitman would like his audience to think deeper about
Premium Walt Whitman Thought Song of Myself
In Walt Whitman’s poem ‚ “Song of Myself”‚ he discusses his vision of America. From Whitman’s perspective‚ all people and the work they do are equally important to America’s prosperity. Whitman visioned a peaceful and cooperative type of America. The poem not only puts an emphasis on the diversity of the nation but also stresses the cooperation between the nation’s diverse groups. In this poem he praises and criticizes certain aspects of his society. Walt Whitman praises the fact that
Premium Walt Whitman Slavery Slavery in the United States
Whitman’s purpose in writing “Song of Myself” was to bring Americans together and end many hostilities by spreading the idea that even with all their differences‚ they’re all human and must embrace each other as equals. In pre-Civil War America‚ a time when the country was tearing itself in two because of their differences‚ this message was needed more than ever. Though to what degree of success Whitman actually had on the state of the nation at the time is arguable‚ the message in the poem‚ specifically
Premium Walt Whitman Leaves of Grass Ralph Waldo Emerson
Poetry is arguably the most ethereal and incomprehensible form of art. Creating not just an image or story‚ but an entire concept through mere words strung together in rhythm is a feat unparalleled by any other. Those who have mastered this are praised among the most ingenious of any time period. Walt Whitman proved his own prowess in this field through his publication of many poetic works collectively titled “Leaves of Grass”. These pieces are filled with romantic‚ idealistic imagery of eternal
Premium Song of Myself Walt Whitman Leaves of Grass
Style In the poem “A song of myself #10”‚ he tells the audience that he sees things that most people don’t see every day‚ and isn’t afraid to say what he thinks about some things. Like when he takes in the runaway slave‚ he is not afraid of the slave‚ and is willing to protect him from any potential danger. In Whitman’s poems‚ he talks to us about things that happen daily‚ but no one really notices the beauty or meaning of the actions. In the poem “Song of myself #52”‚ he compares himself to nature
Premium Walt Whitman Leaves of Grass Ralph Waldo Emerson
Kira Swearingen Ms. Petronella English 1320 21 February 2015 Close Reading- Song of Myself by Walt Whitman In Walt Whitman’s poem‚ Song of Myself‚ I found different key pieces of Whitman’s diction and language to be more in depth and not so cut‚ black and white. This poem really makes you think by giving you different perspectives of life to wonder about through the use of his words. I have gotten the impression that Whitman really values himself and his beliefs of a good world and being alive in
Premium Walt Whitman Leaves of Grass Song of Myself