Whitman gives many answers because grass represents many things. First, it shows equality, because it grows everywhere. It grows among the white people and the black people. The same grass covers all kinds of people, so it becomes a symbol of democracy, where everyone is equal.

He also calls grass the “beautiful uncut hair of graves.” Here, Whitman means that the grass connects the living and the dead. Through this simple plant, Whitman expresses unity, equality, and the idea that the living and dead all create a united whole.

The Body—Connection Among All People: In Sections 1–5, Whitman treats the human body as something holy, natural, and full of meaning. He says,

“…Every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.”

Here, the body becomes a symbol of connection among all people. The body also symbolizes the soul because Whitman sees no separation between the body and the soul. The body is not something to hide; it also symbolizes truth, honesty, and freedom.

The Self as a Symbol of Universal Humanity: Whitman often uses the self as a symbol of all human beings. Even though he speaks as “I,” he means every person. He says,

“I am large, I contain multitudes.”

It means his self represents many experiences and many identities. In this way, the individual becomes a symbol of the whole society. The self also stands for democracy, because every person’s experience is valuable. Whitman uses himself as a symbol to say that every human life has meaning. All people are connected through shared emotions and experiences.

Nature as a Symbol of Original Energy: Throughout the poem, nature appears again and again as a symbol of pure, original energy. In Section 1, Whitman says he allows—

“Nature without check with original energy.”

Nature symbolizes the life-force inside every person. The open air in Section 2, the sunlight, the fields, the shore, and even the little insects all become symbols of the continuous movement of life. Whitman uses these symbols to show that life is overflowing with energy. He also means that humans are deeply connected to every part of the natural world.

In Section 52, the spotted hawk is a symbol. The hawk “accuses” him of talking too much. The hawk becomes a symbol of the wild, natural freedom that Whitman loves. Because hawks live freely in the open sky. No rules, no limits, no society controlling them.

In “Song of Myself,” Whitman uses simple symbols like the grass, the body, the self, and nature to express big ideas about equality, unity, spiritual peace, and endless life. Through these images, Whitman teaches that every life is connected. Every person is important, and life continues in many beautiful forms.