connected to everyone and everything The Self as a Group Whitman s self-concept is complex and multifaceted He famously declares I am large I contain multitudes This idea suggests that every person has numerous identities and experiences within them This makes the self rich and varied Whitman s recognition of these groups within the self reflects the diversity found in a democratic society In a democratic society each person s individuality contributes to the greater whole Celebration of Individuality Whitman celebrates the uniqueness of each individual He asserts that every person has inherent worth and beauty He states I celebrate myself and sing myself And what I assume you shall assume This proclamation of self-celebration highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the value of each person s contribution to society Whitman s emphasis on individuality underscores the democratic principle that everyone s voice matters Equality and Democracy Whitman s vision of democracy is one of radical equality He writes In the faces of men and women I see God and in my own face in the glass By seeing divinity in every person Whitman highlights the idea that everyone is equal and deserving of respect This perspective aligns with democratic ideals where all people should have equal rights and opportunities Whitman s poetry advocates for a society where everyone is seen and valued equally Unity in Diversity In Song of Myself Whitman embraces diversity as a strength of democracy He states Of every hue and caste am I of every rank and religion This line reflects Whitman s vision of a society that values different backgrounds beliefs and identities By recognizing and celebrating this diversity Whitman reinforces that democracy flourishes when it includes and respects all its members The Democratic Voice Whitman s poetic voice is democratic in its accessibility and directness He uses plain language to speak directly to the reader He breaks down barriers between the poet and the audience This line signifies Whitman s intention to communicate openly and inclusively He embodies the democratic ideal of a conversation among equals His poetry invites readers to join him in a shared experience It reflects the participatory nature of democracy Whitman is undoubtedly the most authentic voice of the United States of America His most celebrated poem Song of Myself is regarded as a drama of self and equal democratic feelings This poem is not only the celebration of the poet but also the celebration of all the Americans Whitman is here representative of his own the great America the whole universe and the whole eternity of time