Walt Whitman’s celebration to the ‘self’ and the ‘society’ in his poems

Walt Whitman (an American poet)

Celebration to the ‘self’ and the ‘society’

Q. How does Whitman celebrate the ‘self’ and the ‘society’ in his poems? Discuss with reference to the poems ‘Song of Myself’ and ‘I Sing of Body Electric’.

Answer: Walt Whitman, an American poet, celebrated both the "self" and "society" in his poetry, which was marked by his unique style and the use of free verse. Whitman's poetry celebrated the individual self as well as the collective self, the latter of which was reflected in his poems on society and the community. Two of his most famous poems, "Song of Myself" and "I Sing the Body Electric," are prime examples of how he celebrated both the self and society.

In "Song of Myself," Whitman celebrates the individual self, which he sees as an extension of the universal self. He uses the first-person perspective to describe his experiences and thoughts, which are often associated with nature and the universe. In this poem, Whitman speaks of the "self" in a larger sense, suggesting that it is connected to everything in the world. He emphasizes that the self is not confined to the physical body, but it extends to the world around us. This is reflected in lines such as "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" (lines 19-20).

Whitman also celebrates society and the community in "Song of Myself." He emphasizes that the self is not an isolated entity, but it is part of a larger social fabric. He portrays society as a diverse and inclusive community that accepts and celebrates individual differences. This is reflected in lines such as "For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you" (line 1) and "I am a kosmos, of mighty Manhattan the son" (line 51). These lines suggest that the self is interconnected with the world and that it is part of a larger collective that is inclusive and diverse.

Similarly, in "I Sing the Body Electric," Whitman celebrates the individual self and the society. He praises the human body as a divine creation and emphasizes the importance of physical pleasure and sensuality. Whitman sees the body as a powerful force that connects the individual self with the larger society. He uses vivid and sensual imagery to celebrate the body, suggesting that it is a source of pleasure and beauty.

At the same time, Whitman also celebrates the society and the community in "I Sing the Body Electric." He emphasizes the importance of community and social connections, suggesting that these are essential for human happiness and fulfillment. This is reflected in lines such as "I see the crowds, / And I see a miracle" (lines 9-10), which suggest that the presence of others is a source of wonder and amazement.

Besides, to celebrating the individual self and society, Whitman also emphasizes the idea of democracy in his poetry. He sees democracy not just as a political system but as a way of life that values equality, diversity, and individual freedom. This is reflected in lines such as "For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you" (line 1) and "I am the hounded slave, I wince at the bite of the dogs, / Hell and despair are upon me, crack and again crack the marksmen" (lines 60-61). These lines suggest that all individuals are equal, regardless of their social status, race, or gender.

Whitman's celebration of the self and society also reflects his belief in the power of the individual to effect positive change in society. He sees the individual self as a force for change and progress, and he emphasizes the importance of self-expression and creativity. This is reflected in lines such as "I celebrate myself, and sing myself, / And what I assume you shall assume, / For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you" (lines 1-3).

Furthermore, Whitman's celebration of the self and society can also be seen as a response to the social and political issues of his time. His poetry reflects the social and cultural changes that were taking place in America in the 19th century, including the emergence of a new urban culture and the growing awareness of social inequality. His poetry celebrates the diversity and complexity of American society, and it emphasizes the importance of embracing change and progress.

In brief, Whitman's poetry celebrates both the individual self and society, emphasizing the inter-connection of the twos. He sees the self as part of a larger social fabric and emphasizes the importance of social connections and community. His celebration of the self and society also reflects his belief in democracy and the power of the individual to effect positive change in society.

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