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Song of Myself

Song of Myself. Walt Whitman. Section 1. Speaker wants acceptance as a representative of humanity. We are all connected as a people. Ll. 4-5 – a metaphor is used comparing the grass to the speaker’s thoughts about humanity and America. Section 6. “ What is the grass? ”

theodore-gilliam
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Song of Myself

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  1. Song of Myself Walt Whitman

  2. Section 1 • Speaker wants acceptance as a representative of humanity. • We are all connected as a people. • Ll. 4-5 – a metaphor is used comparing the grass to the speaker’s thoughts about humanity and America.

  3. Section 6 • “What is the grass?” • “it is the handkerchief of the Lord” • A holy symbol that proves/provides evidence of God’s existence • Examples?

  4. Section 16 • In this section, the speaker places great emphasis on his connections to Americans. • Examples? • Ll. 44-46 – sum up ll. 28-43 • Speaker “speaks” for everyone whatever their occupation or frame of reference.

  5. Section 17 • Once again, the speaker stresses the universal connection of all Americans/humans. • Ll. 56-58, “This is the grass that grows wherever the land is and water is, / This is the common air that bathes the globe”

  6. Section 46 • The poem’s language, especially in this section, is simple and straightforward; conversation-like and friendly. • Why is this appropriate to the poem’s message? • Ll. 60-74 – The meaning and success of the poem are reliant upon the ACTIVE participation of the reader. • Ll. 81-82 and 89-91 – ACTIVE participation is stressed again.

  7. Section 46 (cont.) • Ll. 89-91 reveal a personal philosophy or approach to life. The speaker • approaches life boldly with optimism. • believes life should be fully lived. • believes in taking risks; risks are essential to life. • believes that pleasure is an important part of life.

  8. Section 52 • Ln. 104 – use of personification, “spotted hawk. . .accuses me, he complains of my gab and my loitering.” • Ll. 105-6, “I too…” make comparisons of speaker and hawk. • L. 112-13 – Life is an endless cycle. • No belief in death, only rebirth or afterlife • No concern with status or respectability • Belief in connection of all living things

  9. Section 52 (cont.) • Ll. 117-19 – The speaker’s spirit remains alive in nature and his poetry. • He waits for the reader who may be searching for his spirit.

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