Discuss Whitman as a poet of democracy in the light of “Song of Myself.”

Answer

Discuss Whitman as a poet of democracy in the light of “Song of Myself.” [2021]  Or, Comment on Whitman as a poet of Democracy. [2019, 2017] ✪✪✪ Or, Why is Whitman called a poet of democracy? [2015] Or, Discuss Whitman’s treatment of self and democracy.  Or, While singing to himself, Whitman is singing of the whole humanity- Elaborate. [2014]  

A poet of democracy writes for all people and shows equality and freedom. Walt Whitman (1819–1892) is known as the poet of democracy. His “Song of Myself” (1855) celebrates equality, freedom, and unity. He believes that all men and women are divine and equal. His poetry speaks for the nation and for humanity. He rejects pride, class, and separation. He praises both the strong and the weak. Every person shares the same spirit. Through simple, natural language, Whitman gives poetry a democratic soul. 

Equality of All Men: Whitman believes in the equal worth of everyone. He sees no rich, no poor, no high, no low. He begins with a shared note of brotherhood. He begins the poem saying,

“I celebrate myself, and sing myself, 

And what I assume you shall assume, 

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

These lines make all people one. The poet’s atoms belong to everyone. This is the spirit of democracy. Equality comes through nature, not through power. The poet unites all in a single human bond.

Unity between Self and Others: Whitman’s self is not selfish or proud. His “I” means the voice of many. He believes the self grows by sharing with others. The poet becomes one with every man and woman. He writes, 

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

Here, he removes the border between himself and others. The same soul flows through everyone. This unity builds the true foundation of democracy. No one is outside his sympathy or song.

Love for Common People: Whitman loves