Walt Whitman

Melanie Freeman
English 48B
March 12, 2009
Walt Whitman- Song of Myself

As one of the original twelve poems from the first edition of Leaves of Grass, Song of Myself is a very significant poem to Whitman's career. This poem was revised throughout Whitman's career and embodies everything that he is. This poem received several different titles such as "Walt Whitman" and "Poem of Walt Whitman: An American" until it was given its final name, "Song of Myself" in 1867. Song of Myself is Whitman's most significant and well known piece of work for its ability to encapsulate everything that is him, that is human, that is natural and that is American. The reviews of this poem have been mixed thoughout history, calling it everything from vulgar and tasteless to glorious and profound. Whitman's ability to notice seemingly insignificant objects or occurences and point out the complex meaning behind them distinguishes him among poets.

"A child said What is the grass? fetching it to me with full hands;
How could I answer the child? I do not know what it is any more than he"(33).

Section six of Song of Myself is a very good example of Whitman's ability to take an object that is typically overlooked and give it profound meaning. In this section Whitman ruminates on the definition of grass and its deeper, philosophical connections to this country. The blade of grass represents nature in general as the connection beween humans in this world. The natural environment shared by all, is deeply tied to our beliefs and memories.
One of Whitman's answers to the child's question is that grass is "the hankerchief of the Lord" (34). This answer portrays Whitman as religious with a commitment to god in each day of his life. In this sense, grass serves as the constant reminder of the creator, the one responsible for the very land we exist on.
Whitman also defines grass as a "uniform hieroglyphic" (34), or a connection between all cultures in the United States. By implying that the grass does not discrimminate where it will grow, Whitman illustrates his open mind and tolerance for all cultures. This description of grass celebrates the mixing of cultures and the diversity in America.
The image of grass also brings a memory to Whitman's mind, as "the beautiful uncut hair of the graves" (34). This connection is in reference to Whitman's experience in the Civil War and from witnessing the immense casualities it created. This definition is far more dark and depressing but also very significant to United States History. Just as grass is responsible for uniting people, it is also the place of battles and death. The grass growing around the graves shows how the earth absorbs all aspects of life, both good and bad.