Song of Myself Key Info
Key Facts
Writer: Walt Whitman (1819-1892) Original Title: Leaves of Grass (In which Song of Myself is included) Source: Leaves of Grass (First published in 1855) Written Time: 1840-1855 Published Date: 1855 Form: Free verse Genre: Poetry, Transcendentalism Tone: Celebratory, Reflective, Philosophical Point of View: First-person, with a universal perspective Total Lines: 1300 Total Section...
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Song of Myself Summary
Summary
“Song of Myself” is one of the greatest poems written by Walt Whitman. It first appeared in “Leaves of Grass” in 1855. Whitman continued to revise it throughout his life. The final version was published in 1892. The poem is long and divided into fifty-two sections. It is written in free verse without rhyme or regular rhythm. The speaker is Walt Whitman himself, but he speaks for all human...
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Song of Myself Theme
Themes:
Self and Individuality: The poem talks a lot about being yourself. Whitman celebrates who he is and says everyone should be proud of who they are. He believes everyone is special and unique. Equality and Democracy: The poem celebrates the idea that everyone is equal. Whitman talks about how every person, no matter who they are, is important. He loves the idea of democracy, where everyone...
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Notes (13)
- Why does the poet celebrate his own self in the poem ‘Song of Myself’?
- How does Whitman glorify death in ‘Song of Myself’?
- How does Whitman give equal importance to both body and soul in ‘Song of Myself’?
- Do you think Whitman is a poet of revolutionary spirit?
- Trace Out the Mystical Elements in ‘Song of Myself’
- Consider Whitman as a Poet of Joy And Optimism.
- Consider Whitman’s Treatment of Soul, Self, and Body.
- Discuss Whitman's Treatment of “Self” and “Democracy.”
- Comment on Whitman’s poetic techniques with reference to “Song of Myself.”
- Discuss Whitman as a poet of democracy in the light of “Song of Myself.”
- Brief Questions in Walt Whitman poems
- Discuss Walt Whitman’s use of symbols in “Song of Myself.”
- Discuss Whitman’s concept of death and immortality as presented in “Song of Myself.”