Song of the Open Road

by Walt Whitman

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Student Question

Which lines in "Song of the Open Road" show the poet's readiness to enjoy his journey?

Quick answer:

In "Song of the Open Road," there are numerous lines in which the narrator speaks of his preparedness to enjoy the journey. He describes himself as "strong and content" and tells the reader that his burdens have become "delicious." Every object that he passes appears to bring him joy, and it is clear that the experience is an eye-opener to the beauty of the world.

Expert Answers

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I would argue that there are a number of lines in this great poem in which the narrator indicates his intention to enjoy every moment of his journey.

In the first section of the poem (which is labeled 1), he states that "strong and content [he] travel[s] the open road." This tells us that he wants for nothing as he embarks on this journey and is set to enjoy every moment.

In the first line of the fourth stanza under 1, the narrator tells us that he is still carrying his old burdens, but he describes these burdens as "delicious." This implies that his problems from the past are not going to stand in the way of his enjoyment of this journey.

The entire third section (labeled 3) appears to be a series of elements and sights that creates a feeling of wonderment for the narrator. He seems to be amazed by the air around him and the inanimate objects that he sees. Every moment of his journey appears to be filling him with joy.

In the fourth section, the line "The picture alive, every part in its best light" paints a clear picture of joy and of a man clearly determined to see the very best in everything that he comes across along his journey. Later in the fourth section, the narrator tells the public road that he loves it and that it is able to "express [him] better than [he] can express [himself]." This implies that it is a journey of self-discovery, and it is clear throughout this great poem that the speaker has a great love for the open road and every moment of his journey.

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