How does Whitman glorify death in ‘Song of Myself’?

Answer

How does Whitman glorify death in ‘Song of Myself’?

 Discuss  ‘Song of Myself’ as a glorification of death.

In “Song of Myself,” Walt Whitman (1819-92) doesn’t necessarily glorify death in a traditional sense. Instead, he sees death as a natural part of life and celebrates it as a continuation of the cycle of existence. 

Death is a Natural Part of the Cycle of Existence: Throughout the poem, Whitman portrays life and death as two sides of the same coin. He emphasizes that every living thing must eventually die. This is a natural part of the cycle of existence. For example, in section 6, he writes,

 “All goes onward and outward… and nothing collapses, 

And to die is different from what any one supposed, and luckier.” 

Here, Whitman is suggesting that death is simply another stage of the ongoing process of life and growth.

Death is a Source of Renewal and Regeneration: In section 52, Whitman suggests death is a source of renewal and regeneration. The hawk swoops down and accuses him. But he is unafraid because he knows that even if he were to die, he would still be a part of the natural world.

Death is a Form of Liberation: In section 50, Whitman suggests death is a form of liberation. He departs as air. He shook his white locks at the sun and bequeathed himself to the dirt. He is free from the constraints of the physical world and can exist in a more divine form.

“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.”

Whitman doesn’t necessarily glorify death in “Song of Myself.” Instead, he sees it as a natural part of life. Whitman celebrates and embraces death as a continuation of the cycle of existence.