Themes: Self-Identity and Community
Clearly delineated in the poem’s title, self-identity is one of the most important themes in “Song of Myself.” Though the title’s wording suggests the work is an elevation of the self above others, Whitman’s overarching conclusion is somewhat more nuanced: he celebrates himself as both an earthly embodiment of the divine and as one singular representative node in the interconnected egalitarian natural world.
In the first section, Whitman notes that the celestial atoms that comprise him are shared among all people and recycled in perpetuity. This sets the precedent for the work to follow, which explores the self and the community as both clearly delineated and intractably twinned. Whitman’s life and body are his to explore, his to celebrate, his to spend, and his to bequeath, but they stem from a communal reserve of organic matter that links everyone to everything.
As Whitman considers those outside himself in these terms, especially those experiencing pain, fear, violence, or other crises, he places himself firmly in their shoes. In his view, all experience is shared among all sentient life. The joy of others is his to celebrate as his own, just as the pain of others is his to suffer. Crucially, he does not say he understands these people—he says he is these people. Though the work nominally venerates himself, he can extrapolate that self to stand in for any other communal body.
Expert Q&A
What is the meaning of these lines in "Song of Myself": "I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable, I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world."
The lines in "Song of Myself" express Whitman's celebration of an untamed, untranslatable self that defies categorization. He proclaims his individuality and connection to the universe, asserting a self that is wild and transcends societal definitions. The "barbaric yawp" symbolizes his raw, natural expression, highlighting his independence and the complexity of his identity.
How can we apply this passage from Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" in our lives?
"You shall no longer take things at second or third hand, nor look through the eyes of the dead, nor feed on the specters in books,
You shall not look through my eyes either, nor take things from me,
You shall listen to all sides and filter them from yourself."
Whitman's passage encourages individuals to seek direct, personal experiences rather than relying on secondhand knowledge from books or others' perspectives. This theme, emphasized in "Song of Myself," challenges readers to engage with the world firsthand, valuing their own understanding and insights. By doing so, one can truly "possess the origin of all poems" and the "good of the earth and sun," fostering a more authentic and self-reliant approach to life.
What does stanza 10 of "Song of Myself" reveal about the speaker's relationship with the "runaway slave"?
In "Song of Myself" number 10, the "runaway slave" trusts his life to those who help him escape.
Stanza 10 reveals the speaker's deep empathy and identification with the runaway slave, mirroring his universal connection with nature and humanity. The speaker's willingness to provide shelter and protection underscores his compassionate nature, which is integral to his expansive, unbounded identity. This relationship highlights the poem's theme of interconnectedness and the narrator's character qualities, such as hospitality and empathy, which define his universal self.
Summarize the themes restated in the coda, number 52, of Song of Myself.
In the coda of "Song of Myself," Whitman emphasizes themes of unity with nature and the universe, death as a transformative process, and immortality through cosmic assimilation. He highlights the interconnectedness of individuals, nature, and the cosmos, suggesting that death is not an end but a reintegration into the universe. Whitman invites readers to find inspiration in his work, encouraging them to embrace life fully and recognize their intrinsic connection to the world around them.
What does Walt Whitman's line "I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded person" mean?
Whitman's line "I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded person" means he experiences deep empathy. Instead of merely inquiring about others' pain, he feels and understands it himself. This reflects his broader theme of interconnectedness in "Song of Myself," where recognizing one's individuality enhances the ability to empathize and connect with others.
Does section 16 of "Song of Myself" support the interpretation of Whitman’s poetry celebrating democratic spirit and human equality?
Whitman celebrates the democratic spirit and human equality in section 16 of "Song of Myself" by personally identifying with a long and contrasting list of groups, types, and places.
What makes the speaker in Walt Whitman's "I Celebrate Myself, and Sing Myself" characteristically American?
The speaker in Walt Whitman's "I Celebrate Myself, and Sing Myself" embodies characteristically American traits through his emphasis on individualism, personal optimism, and liberty. Whitman's celebration of self reflects the American ideals of freedom and opportunity, as well as the nation's foundational principles of equality and free speech. His embrace of nature and rejection of formal poetic constraints mirror America's expansive, democratic spirit and progressive values, highlighting a uniquely American identity in his work.
What human qualities and characteristics does Whitman value in Song of Myself section 33?
In Section 33 of "Song of Myself," Whitman values qualities such as altruism, sacrifice, courage, and empathy. He admires heroes like sea captains, martyrs, slaves, and soldiers who demonstrate selflessness and bravery for a greater good. Whitman also expresses sympathy for human suffering, as seen in his depiction of passengers on a sinking ship and a hunted slave, highlighting the importance of resilience and striving for freedom.
What is your impression of the speaker in the poem, and is his self-celebration justified?
The speaker in the poem is portrayed as both a participant and observer of life, aiming to dissolve the boundary between himself and others. His self-celebration is justified as it reflects a universal experience rather than an individual one. Whitman emphasizes the commonality of humanity, suggesting that his life serves as a gateway to shared, democratic experiences. Thus, the question of justification is irrelevant as the poem could be seen as a "Song of Ourselves."
Can you find three contradictions in Whitman's "Song of Myself," and explain their inclusion?
"Do I contradict myself? / Very well then I contradict myself, / I am large, I contain multitudes."
One contradiction in "Song of Myself" is right at the start when Whitman somehow simultaneously celebrates himself and us. Whitman also contradicts himself when he tells us "to elaborate is no avail." For a third contradiction, look at how Whitman defines grass for the child in part 6. For even more contradictions, check out part 16.
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