Trace Out the Mystical Elements in ‘Song of Myself’

Answer

Trace out the mystical elements in “Song of Myself.” 

Mystical elements are moments of hidden magic and divine mystery that connect humans with the unseen world. Walt Whitman (1819–1892) fills “Song of Myself” (1855) with mystical ideas. His poetry joins man, nature, and God. He believes that every person carries divine light. The poem illustrates the soul’s connection to the universe. It praises unity, love, and eternal life. Through natural images and free words, he speaks the language of faith and wonder.

Union of Body and Soul: Whitman sees the body and soul as one. He rejects the old idea that the body is sinful. For him, both are pure and holy. He says, 

“Clear and sweet is my soul, and clear and sweet is all that is not my soul.” 

This line demonstrates complete unity between the flesh and the spirit. Every act of life becomes sacred. Eating, walking, touching, or working all reveal divine joy. His mysticism grows from this inner balance of body and soul.

Universal Self and Divine Unity: Whitman feels that the same soul lives in all. His “I” becomes the voice of everyone. 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.” 

This shows that human and divine are one. He finds God within himself and others. The universe becomes a reflection of the soul. His mysticism lies in seeing all life as one whole spirit.

Divine Presence in Nature: Nature is holy in Whitman’s poetry. A leaf, bird, or wave holds spiritual truth. He writes, 

“I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.”

This means that small and large things share the same divine power. The smallest grain of sand holds the same glory as the sky. His vision makes nature sacred. Every breeze and blade of