se:
Whitman rejects rhyme and fixed rhythm. He writes in free verse to show freedom. His lines move like waves and human breath. They sound like talking, not chanting. He wanted poetry to be real and open. He believed that life itself is rhythm. So he lets his lines expand and grow. This free verse makes his tone personal and natural. It breaks from the narrow, artificial forms of old poets. Through it, he finds the authentic American voice.
Personal and Democratic Voice: Whitman’s voice is both personal and public. He speaks for himself and all people. His “I” includes every man and woman. He says,
“I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.”
His voice joins all human lives in one song. He sees no gap between poet and reader. The “I” becomes the “we.” This technique gives poetry a democratic meaning. It joins self-expression with collective emotion.
Use of Catalogues and Lists: Whitman loves long catalogues and lists. He names jobs, tools, rivers, and cities. These lists make the poem wide and alive. Each item adds to the rhythm of abundance. He mixes common and grand things side by side. In this way, he shows equality in all things. His style reflects the diversity of life. The poem becomes like a great map of America. Through his lists, he makes poetry speak the nation’s many voices.
Union of Body and Soul: Whitman’s technique joins thought and sense. He unites the physical and the spiritual world. He says,
“Clear and sweet is my soul, and clear and sweet is all that is not my soul.”
This line shows perfect harmony between the two. He celebrates the body in natural words. He sees holiness in touch, breath, and work. He also says,
“I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.”
Such images show how small things carry divine beauty. His art uses the visible world to express spiritual truth.
Symbolism and Repetition: Whitman employs symbols rather than complex forms. Common things carry deep meanings. Grass stands for equality and rebirth. He says,
“The smallest sprout shows there is really no death.”
This natural image teaches the soul’s endless life. He also repeats words and ideas for music and power. Repetition builds rhythm like waves in motion. It replaces rhyme but keeps a strong melody. His words echo the beating of the human heart. This gives the poem unity, energy, and depth.
In conclusion, Whitman’s “Song of Myself” changes English poetry forever. He replaces formality with freedom and spirit. His techniques make verse open to everyone. Free rhythm, plain speech, and natural images fill his art. He celebrates both body and soul in unity. He turns common life into poetic beauty. In this way, he breaks from old rules and finds new ones.
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