Song of Myself Walt Whitman

Section 1 Speaker wants acceptance as a representative of humanity. Speaker wants acceptance as a representative of humanity. We are all connected as a people. We are all connected as a people. Ll. 4-5 – a metaphor is used comparing the grass to the speaker’s thoughts about humanity and America. Ll. 4-5 – a metaphor is used comparing the grass to the speaker’s thoughts about humanity and America.

Section 6 “What is the grass?” “What is the grass?” “it is the handkerchief of the Lord” “it is the handkerchief of the Lord” A holy symbol that proves/provides evidence of God’s existence A holy symbol that proves/provides evidence of God’s existence Examples? Examples?

Section 16 In this section, the speaker places great emphasis on his connections to Americans. In this section, the speaker places great emphasis on his connections to Americans. Examples? Examples? Ll – sum up ll Ll – sum up ll Speaker “speaks” for everyone whatever their occupation or frame of reference. Speaker “speaks” for everyone whatever their occupation or frame of reference.

Section 17 Once again, the speaker stresses the universal connection of all Americans/humans. Once again, the speaker stresses the universal connection of all Americans/humans. Ll , “This is the grass that grows wherever the land is and water is, / This is the common air that bathes the globe” Ll , “This is the grass that grows wherever the land is and water is, / This is the common air that bathes the globe”

Section 46 The poem’s language, especially in this section, is simple and straightforward; conversation-like and friendly. The poem’s language, especially in this section, is simple and straightforward; conversation-like and friendly. Why is this appropriate to the poem’s message? Why is this appropriate to the poem’s message? Ll – The meaning and success of the poem are reliant upon the ACTIVE participation of the reader. Ll – The meaning and success of the poem are reliant upon the ACTIVE participation of the reader. Ll and – ACTIVE participation is stressed again. Ll and – ACTIVE participation is stressed again.

Section 46 (cont.) Ll reveal a personal philosophy or approach to life. The speaker Ll reveal a personal philosophy or approach to life. The speaker approaches life boldly with optimism. approaches life boldly with optimism. believes life should be fully lived. believes life should be fully lived. believes in taking risks; risks are essential to life. believes in taking risks; risks are essential to life. believes that pleasure is an important part of life. believes that pleasure is an important part of life.

Section 52 Ln. 104 – use of personification, “spotted hawk...accuses me, he complains of my gab and my loitering.” Ln. 104 – use of personification, “spotted hawk...accuses me, he complains of my gab and my loitering.” Ll , “I too…” make comparisons of speaker and hawk. Ll , “I too…” make comparisons of speaker and hawk. L – Life is an endless cycle. L – Life is an endless cycle. No belief in death, only rebirth or afterlife No belief in death, only rebirth or afterlife No concern with status or respectability No concern with status or respectability Belief in connection of all living things Belief in connection of all living things

Section 52 (cont.) Ll – The speaker’s spirit remains alive in nature and his poetry. Ll – The speaker’s spirit remains alive in nature and his poetry. He waits for the reader who may be searching for his spirit. He waits for the reader who may be searching for his spirit.