Song of Myself

Poetry | Walt Whitman
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How does Whitman glorify death in ‘Song of Myself’?

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How does Whitman glorify death in “Song of Myself?”

Walt Whitman (1819–1892) treats death not as an end but as a new beginning. In “Song of Myself” (1855), he welcomes death with calm and faith. He believes that life and death are two parts of the same divine circle. Death, to him, is beautiful and natural, not dark or fearful. 

Death as a Part of Life: Whitman views death as an inherent part of existence. He accepts it with peace and joy. He says, 

“The smallest sprout shows there is really no death.”

This line means that life never stops; it only changes form. A dead body gives birth to grass, flowers, and new life. Death becomes a link between the visible and invisible worlds.

Death as a New Beginning: Whitman believes death leads to a new birth. He writes, 

“All goes onward and outward, nothing collapses, 

And to die is different

from what any one supposed, and luckier.” 

Here, he demonstrates that death is not a loss, but a gain. It opens the way to eternal life. Through death, the soul becomes free and joins the universe. Thus, death is a gate to higher existence.

Union of Soul with Nature: After death, the soul does not vanish. It becomes one with nature and the stars. The poet says, 

“I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, 

If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.” 

These lines suggest that Whitman’s spirit is deeply rooted in nature. Death helps the soul merge with the eternal divine.

In short, Whitman glorifies death as peaceful, kind, and eternal. He finds life in death and death in life. His vision removes fear and fills the heart with hope. Through death, he reaches the divine truth of endless life.

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Walt Whitman
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from Song of Myself