Leaves of Grass Group

Question:

nursenancy
nursenancy

In section 2 of "Song of Myself", what is meant by "Have you reckon'd a thousand acres much? Have you reckon'd the earth much?"

Is this about being an individual?

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Posted by nursenancy on Monday August 6, 2007 at 5:20 AM and tagged with leaves of grass, quotes, song of myself.

Answers:


  1. jamie-wheeler Teacher
    College - Sophomore

    eNotes Editor

    Whitman is speaking to the general "you."  In an increasingly industrialized world, one in which people rarely contemplate the majesty and wonder of the natural world, he asks the question as something of a wake-up call.  A thousand acres is a wonderous thing, the earth itself is a marvel, yet we take so much for granted in our sequestered and sanitized lives.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/salem-lit/song-myself

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    Posted by jamie-wheeler on Monday August 6, 2007 at 5:56 AM