Song of Myself Summary by Walt Whitman

Song of Myself is a long and complex poem by the famous American poet Walt Whitman. This poem describes the poet's individuality, thoughts, and feelings. It depicts that all things around us are interconnected with each other. It was initially printed in 1855 in his work "Leaves of the Grass." In 1855 it was published untitled; later, in 1881, the poem was titled "Song of Myself." The central theme of this poem is based on the idea of self. In the poem, the poet focuses on himself; he sings, celebrates, describes, and explores a different aspect of his vision of the world and the human experience. The poem originally consisted of a total of 52 sections. Out of these 52 sections, only the first section is most popular in the crowd.

About the Poet

Walter Whitman was an American poet and journalist. He started his life journey on 31 May 1819 in the West Hills region of New York, United States of America. He started earning when he reached 12 years of age. At 72, Whitman took his last breath on 26 March 1892 in the Camden region of New Jersey, US.

Poem

I celebrate myself and sing myself
And what I assume you shall assume
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you

Explanation: By reading the above lines, we can assume that poet is feeling very relaxed and happy. He is celebrating himself as a festival, singing songs on himself. In the following line, Walt Whitman commands the readers that what else he thinks of himself is right, and we must accept this. The reason for this is explained by giving arguments like the poet saying that we all are the same; all are made up of similar atoms. Here the poet is targeting the American audience. All Americans are equal, and they all must agree with this argument.

I loafe and invite my soul,
I lean and loafe at my ease, observing a spear of summer grass

Explanation: The poet says he roams here and there to invite his inner soul and find the real him. In the following line, the poet carefully observes nature with a close view. He is looking at the long grass on the ground and comparing the tip of the grass with a spear (weapon).

My tongue, every atom of my blood, formed from this soil, this air,
Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same,
I, now thirty-seven years old
in perfect health, begin,
Hoping to cease not till death.

Explanation: Here, tongue refers to the local language of that area which the residents use for intercommunication. The poet is saying that this language and all natives are the natural ones of here means this land where he is born is his mother. This air is also his mother, as it is keeping him alive. America's soil and air are the components included in making his body. His parents and even grandparents were born on this soil. The poet describes a deep connection between him and his land through this statement. The poet is thirty-seven years old and has started enjoying and celebrating his company. He would not stop enjoying his own company until he met his death.

Creeds and schools in abeyance,
Retiring back, a while sufficed at what they are, but never forgotten,
I harbor for good or bad; I permit to speak at every hazard,
Nature without check with original energy.

Explanation: The poet is highlighting the torments and barriers of society. Caste and religion divide society into segments and destroy unity. Now, the poet realizes a need to stop for a while and wants to forget the game of caste and religion. But he can't forget this all and move on because these talks are widespread wherever he goes. Walt is the type of man who accepts the truth; he believes in both good and evil; he does not take sides in any aspect and declare the other wrong; instead, he is brave enough to speak to every danger he faces. He dares to discuss and face all difficulties that come his way. The motivation behind this is the natural positive energy he continuously receives from nature. He decides to enjoy his life with all his company and in his thoughts.

Summary

Song of Myself poem describes the poet's individuality, thoughts, and feelings. It depicts that all things around us are interconnected with each other. During the poem, the poet focuses on himself; he sings, celebrates, describes, and explores a different aspect of his vision of the world and the human experience. Whitman highlights our shared humanity while embracing the diversity and individuality of each person.

One of the key themes of "Song of Myself" is the idea of self-expression. Poet celebrates each person's individuality, and he encourages us to show our unique identities. But at the same time, he also underlines the interconnectivity of all things. In the lines, "For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you," he highlights that we are all a part of the same world and that our unique identities are linked.

In a closer view, he talks about the Americans and asks them to live in harmony as they all are the same. Another key theme of "Song of Myself" is the concept of nature. Poet talks about the beauty and power of the natural world, and he sees nature as a source of inspiration, wonder, and life.

He writes, "The atmosphere is not a perfume; it has no taste of the distillation; it is odorless." These lines show his keen interest in mother nature. He wants nature to accept him. He is lost in nature's simplicity and magic as it has no artificial disturbances. Whitman sees the natural world as a reflection of the diversity and complexity of the human experience, and his love of nature combines with his celebration of the self.

Throughout the poem, Whitman emphasizes the importance of freedom and the hard work of achieving it. He writes, "And I know that the hand of God is my promise, and I know that the spirit of God is the brother of my own and that all the men ever born are also my brothers, and the women my sisters and lovers." Whitman sees freedom as a fundamental human right and celebrates the struggle of individuals and communities to achieve it. He says all men are his brothers and all women are his sisters. He believes in brotherhood and living with love and peace. Whitman explained that each entity of this world possesses a personal belief irrespective of its size and role in the universe. The idea of self-belief is one of the most powerful beliefs in the universe, and it can combine and interact with others as well.