Consider Whitman’s Treatment of Soul, Self, and Body.
Song of Myself is a notable literary work by Walt Whitman. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Song of Myself.
Answer
Consider Whitman’s treatment of soul, self, and body. [2019, 2015] ✪✪✪
Walt Whitman (1819-1892) is widely considered America’s world poet. He joins soul, self, and body as one in the pome “Song of Myself” (1855). He writes with a wide, friendly voice. He loves nature, people, and daily life. Unity appears in all living things here. The self feels personal and also universal. The soul is calm, steady, and present. The body is holy and never shameful. Scenes and images carry these ideas. Thus, the poem blends faith, flesh, and freedom together. This study explains these three linked aspects.
Shared Self and Democracy: Whitman begins with a bold democratic claim. He speaks for himself and for others. He opens with a clear, equal voice.
“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 claim makes the self a shared space. Matter and spirit move across all people. Streets, work, and voices enter the song. The self grows by equal fellowship and sympathy. Soul and body open toward every other self.
Body and Soul As One: The poem never splits body from soul. He treats both as pure and good. Breath, heartbeat, and touch feel sacred here. Country roads and city crowds bless flesh. Kisses, sweat, and sleep carry quiet meaning. He bathes, eats, sings, and welcomes strangers kindly. The senses guide thought, not oppose it. Thus the body bears calm spiritual light. The soul moves through real, simple acts. Unity appears in ordinary, lived moments and scenes.
Nature and The Cosmic Self: Nature mirrors the self and the soul. A grass-blade equals a starry path. The speaker firmly says,
“I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.”
Inner and outer worlds match in worth. He also claims serene balance with reality. He declares,
“Clear and sweet is my soul, and
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