Ideas And Concerns In Walt Whitman's Song Of Myself

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Through the vast array of literary works authored by Walt Whitman, the reader will find he touches on a multitude of ideas, beliefs, causes and concerns. Known as a literary genius, Whitman’s contributions to American literature respond to issues involving political positions or events, religious campaigns, social and economic prejudices, and, not forgetting, self love. Having attended school only until the age of eleven, Walt Whitman, considered quite the restless child, was wise beyond his age. Although a youngster, he worked early and long into his years, from the office of a doctor, then a lawyer, but landing a job in the printing trade would prove most important to Whitman’s true calling. His missions to unveil to the reader the beauty in everything and his fervent perception of wartime effects seemed to stand out throughout his literary career. …show more content…

Throughout his life, he chronicles his collection of encouraged spiritual growth, as well as physical self-growth. For example, in his poem “Song of Myself”, he seems to assess himself and his spirit as grand. He speaks of “The smoke of my own breath.”(Song of Myself 2 C24) Quickly revealing to the reader an egotistical love of himself. This theme carries throughout the fifty-two sections of the poem. To add, Whitman intended to acknowledge the beauty in all things and all humans, even death. He once quoted, ”Nothing can happen more beautiful than death”. As a matter of fact, in “Grand is the Seen”, Whitman conveys the absolute beauty of the human

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