Song of Myself

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Why does the poet celebrate his own self in the poem ‘Song of Myself’?

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Why does the poet celebrate his ownself in the poem “Song of Myself?” [2020] ✪✪✪

Or, What significance do you attach to the ‘I’ in the poem “Song of Myself?”

Walt Whitman (1819–1892) employs the word “I” in “Song of Myself” (1855) with profound significance. It is not only the poet’s own voice but also the voice of all mankind. His “I” grows beyond his personal life and becomes universal. The “I” stands for unity, equality, and the divine energy that connects all living things.

The Poet Himself: At first, the “I” refers to Whitman himself. It is the poet’s personal identity and his joyful self-expression. He says, 

“I celebrate myself, and sing myself,” 

Here, the “I” is confident, free, and full of love for life. The poet’s personal joy becomes a song for all.

The Universal Self: Whitman’s “I” is not limited to one person. It be

comes the soul of all people, animals, and nature. His “I” says, 

“I am large, I contain multitudes.”

This shows that he holds all experiences within himself. His “I” includes the rich and poor, the man and woman, and even the stars and grass. 

The Voice of Everyman: Whitman’s “I” speaks for all people. It becomes a universal voice of life. He shares joy, sorrow, love, and death with others. Through his “I,” the reader finds his own self. The “I” travels through time and space to unite all souls in one song.

Now, we can say that the “I” in “Song of Myself” is both personal and universal. It begins with the poet but expands to include everyone and everything. It joins man, nature, and God in one eternal unity. Whitman’s “I” becomes the voice of all humanity.

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Walt Whitman
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from Song of Myself