Trace Out the Mystical Elements in ‘Song of Myself’

Answer

Trace out the mystical elements in ‘Song of Myself.’

Mysticism is a religious doctrine. It believes in communicating between humans and God through prayer or meditation. The most famous American poet, Walt Whitman (1819–1892), incorporates mystical elements in his remarkable poem “Song of Myself” (1855). This poem is written in free verse. Describing the poet’s individuality, thoughts, and feelings, this poem depicts that everything around us is interconnected.

Nature as Sacred: In “Song of Myself,” nature is not merely a backdrop but a sacred being implanted with mystical significance. Whitman’s vivid descriptions of the natural world evoke a sense of awe and reverence. He invites readers to contemplate the divine within creation. From the “green leaves” to the “pismires” and the “running blackberry,” every element of nature becomes a portal to the divine. It blurs the boundaries between the material and the spiritual.

The Self as Infinite: Central to “Song of Myself” is the idea of the self as boundless and infinite. Whitman celebrates the individual as a microcosm of the universe. He contains multitudes within oneself. He says that

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 concept of the expansive self follows mystical traditions. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the potential for spiritual realization through self-discovery.

Acquaintance with God: Whitman has a strong connection with God. He sees the divine not as something separate from himself but as an intrinsic part of himself. He infuses everything he encounters with holiness. The following quotation proves this says. 

Divine am I inside and out, and I make holy whatever I touch or am touch’d from;

Union with Nature: Whitman portrays a deep symbiotic relationship between the self and the natural world. He suggests a mystical union where boundaries dissolve and all distinctions vanish. This union with nature reflects mystical traditions that view the natural world as a manifestation of the divine and emphasize the importance of reconnecting with the earth to achieve spiritual fulfillment. In “Song of Myself,” he writes, 

I loafe and invite my soul, 

I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.

Whitman encourages readers to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures, like seeing clouds drifting across the sky.

The Journey of the Soul: “Song of Myself” is a journey of the soul, a quest for self-discovery and enlightenment. Whitman’s exploration of the self mirrors the mystical journey of awakening. Here, the individual transcends the limitations of the ego and attains a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. In “Song of Myself,” he writes, 

I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love,  

If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.

Here, Whitman suggests that the divine is not separate from the material world but is inherent in all things.

Ecstatic Vision: Whitman’s “Song of Myself” vibrates with moments of ecstatic revelation akin to mystical experiences found in spiritual texts. The boundaries of a self blur as the poet merges with the cosmos. It experiences profound unity. In these transcendent moments, Whitman’s amazement mirrors the wonder felt in the presence of the divine. It highlights the interconnectedness of all existence and the sublime beauty of the universe.

In conclusion, Walt Whitman’s poetry knits mystical elements by urging readers toward self-discovery, transcendence, and cosmic unity. He blurs the lines between the material and the spiritual with vivid imagery and ecstatic vision. He celebrates the sacred in the ordinary. Whitman invites us to see the divine within ourselves and the world around us through his work.