Consider Whitman’s Treatment of Soul, Self, and Body. 

Answer

Consider Whitman’s treatment of soul, self, and body in “Song of Myself. 

Walt Whitman (1819–1892) explores the deep connections between the soul, self, and body in “Song of Myself (1855).” He celebrates individuality, spiritual unity, and the physical form. He presents a holistic view of human existence that embraces life’s inner and outer aspects. Let us discuss this in the following manner.

Treatment of Soul:  Walt Whitman analyzes the concept of the soul in a profoundly personal and expansive manner. Whitman’s understanding of the soul is holistic and inclusive. It reflects his belief in the interconnectedness of all beings and the universe. Throughout the poem, he shows that the soul is vast and universal and not confined to the individual self. He says-

And what I assume you shall assume, 

For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.

It extends all existence.

Whitman describes the soul as something that transcends the physical body’s limitations. The soul is inherently linked to nature. In “Song of Myself,” Whitman often uses the first-person pronoun “I” to represent not just himself but also the collective soul of humanity. He embraces a sense of unity with all living beings. It affirms that every individual contains within them the essence of the entire universe. 

Treatment of Self: In “Song of Myself,” Walt Whitman exceptionally talks about himself. He does not just see himself as one person, separate from everything else. Instead, he feels like he is part of everything in the world. Whitman thinks of himself as something connected to everything around him, like the stars, the trees, and other people. He believes all living things are woven together like threads in a fabric.

However, he does not just focus on himself; he also discusses how everyone’s experiences are connected. One famous line from the poem is when Whitman says, 

I celebrate myself, and sing myself.

He thinks he is critical but wants everyone else to feel important. He believes everyone’s lives, with all their ups and downs, are worth celebrating.

Treatment of Body: In “Song of Myself,” Whitman celebrates the human body in a very joyful and open way. He talks about the body as natural and beautiful, full of life and energy. Whitman believes the body is not separate from the soul but connected. He says-

I am the poet of the Body and I am the poet of the Soul, 

The pleasures of heaven are with me and the pains of hell are with me,

He describes every part of the body, from the head to the toes, with love and admiration.

Whitman writes about the body in a way that shows he thinks it is sacred and worth celebrating. He does not hesitate to discuss things that some people might find private or embarrassing. Instead, he sees everything about the body as part of the human experience. By doing this, Whitman encourages readers to feel proud and comfortable with their bodies.

Interconnectedness: Whitman did not see these parts – the soul, self, and body – as separate. For example, he says- 

I have said that the soul is not more than the body, 

And I have said that the body is not more than the soul.

Instead, he views them as intertwined and interdependent:

• Unity: Whitman believes that a person’s soul, self, and body are connected and work together as a unified whole. He thought our physical experiences, emotions, and spiritual thoughts influence each other.
• Celebration of Life: Whitman often writes about celebrating life in its entirety. He encourages people to appreciate their bodies, embrace their identities, and connect deeply with their souls. For Whitman, every experience affects all parts of us He thinks every part of a person is beautiful and worthy of celebration.

In conclusion, Whitman believes that the soul, self, and body are interconnected harmoniously and dynamically. Each aspect influences the others. He believes embracing all parts of ourselves can lead to richer, more fulfilling lives.