Song of Myself by Walt Whitman Poetry

Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" continues to evoke strong emotions because of the paradox inherent in the juxtaposition between egotism on the one hand and selfless idealism on the other. The poem therefore encapsulates what it means to be an American, which is why other American poets -- and indeed poets from around the world -- have responded to "Song of Myself" poignantly. When Whitman penned "Song of Myself," the poet was imbuing verse with powerful social commentary that belies the relatively simple diction, tone, and style used. The poet reacts to the troubles in 19th century America, including but not limited to slavery and racism, urbanization and capitalism. Whitman draws attention to the fact that the United States has built itself as an ideal: "the hand of God is the promise of my own." Yet that ideal has been stymied by the struggle for equality, epitomized most noticeably and overtly in the struggle for civil rights. Whereas America promises to be the land of the free, it "now it seems to me the beautiful uncut hair of graves." Other poets have responded to Whitman, engaging in ongoing poetic dialogue about the ongoing fight for social justice.

"Song of Myself" reads like an epic poem, lengthy of verse and long winded in style. Yet it tells not a narrative story but instead seeks to capture the essence of unmet dreams and ideals. In "Song of Myself," Whitman also paints an accurate portrait of the growing United States during the era of expansion through the western territories. As genocide of Native Americans and African-Americans consumes the poet's thoughts, Whitman also reflects on the fact that the United States establishes itself as a diverse and multifaceted social landscape. The poet uses imagery of the natural world, from mundane elements like leaves of grass, as well as "moths" and "fish eggs." The use of mundane imagery underscores one of the themes of "Song of Myself," which is the impetus to rise up and transcend one's limitations, as well as to find beauty in the natural world. The poet calls for readers to be humble ("I reckon I behave no prouder than the level I plant my house by, after all") but also interested in aspiring to greater heights. Whitman pinpoints "the murmur of yearning" in the hearts and minds of readers.

Whereas the poem could have wallowed in the past, it instead remained relevant decades after it was penned and remains so more than a century later. Consistency in values, ideals, and unmet goals allows poets to continually engage Whitman in posthumous discourse. Whitman's poem touches upon a multitude of themes including life and death, permitting a discussion of all matters pertinent to the human experience. It is not a poem just about racism in America, even if there are many passages related to race. The poet does, however, stress the ultimate ethical goal of human social equality. "In all people I see myself, none more and not one a barley-corn less." Likewise, it is not a poem about shifting religious and spiritual values and a turn toward secular humanist ethos even though Whitman suggests as much: "Why should I pray? why should I venerate and be ceremonious?"