'One's Self I Sing' by Walt Whitman
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One's-Self I sing, a simple separate person,
Yet utter the word Democratic, the word En-Masse.
Of physiology from top to toe I sing,
Not physiognomy alone nor brain alone is worthy for the Muse,
I say the Form complete is worthier far,
The Female equally with the Male I sing.
Of Life immense in passion, pulse, and power,
Cheerful, for freest action form'd under the laws divine,
The Modern Man I sing.
Editor 1 Interpretation
One's Self I Sing: A Poem of Self-Discovery
Walt Whitman is one of the most celebrated poets of American literature, known for his transcendentalist and humanist views. His poems celebrate the human spirit, the beauty of nature, and the potential for self-discovery. One of his most famous poems is "One's Self I Sing," which was published in the 1855 edition of his collection, Leaves of Grass. In this essay, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, examining its themes, structure, language, and historical context.
The Poem
One's-Self I Sing
One's-self I sing, a simple separate person,
Yet utter the word Democratic, the word En-Masse.
Of physiology from top to toe I sing,
Not physiognomy alone nor brain alone is worthy for the Muse, I say the Form complete is worthier far,
The Female equally with the Male I sing.
Of Life immense in passion, pulse, and power,
Cheerful for every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.
I loafe and invite my Soul,
I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.
My tongue, every atom of my blood, form'd 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.
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.
Themes
The poem begins with the declaration "One's-self I sing," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is celebrating himself, not in a narcissistic way, but as a simple, separate person. He asserts the importance of the individual in a democratic society, using the phrase "Democratic, the word En-Masse." This phrase suggests that while the individual is important, they are also part of a larger community.
The poem then shifts to a discussion of the human body, specifically its physiology. The speaker declares that he is not just interested in the surface features of the body, such as physiognomy (facial features), or the brain, but in the entire form. He believes that the complete form of the body is "worthier far" than any one feature. The speaker also asserts that both males and females are equal and deserving of celebration.
The next section of the poem focuses on the energy and passion of life. The speaker exclaims that he is "Cheerful for every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you." This line suggests that the speaker sees himself as part of a larger whole, and that every part of that whole is valuable. He invites his soul to loafe and observe the world around him, suggesting a sense of contentment and ease. The speaker then asserts that every atom in his body is formed from the same soil and air, emphasizing his connection to the natural world.
The final section of the poem touches on the speaker's beliefs about creeds and schools. He suggests that while these institutions are important, they are not the only way to understand the world. He is open to nature and its original energy, suggesting a desire to understand the world on his own terms.
Structure
The poem is written in free verse, meaning that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter scheme. This allows the speaker to express himself freely, without the constraint of a specific structure. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each containing different ideas and themes.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, introducing the idea of celebrating oneself as an individual in a democratic society. The second stanza focuses on the body and its worthiness, while the third stanza emphasizes the energy and passion of life. The fourth stanza invites the soul to observe and loafe, while the fifth stanza emphasizes the speaker's connection to nature. The final stanza highlights the speaker's beliefs about creeds and schools, suggesting an openness to new ideas and ways of understanding the world.
Language
The language of the poem is simple and direct, emphasizing the speaker's desire for clarity and understanding. The use of the word "I" throughout the poem suggests a personal connection to the ideas being expressed. The repeated emphasis on the value of every atom and the connection to nature suggest a desire for unity and interconnectedness.
The use of the word "Democratic" in the first stanza suggests a political message, emphasizing the importance of the individual in a democratic society. The use of the word "En-Masse" suggests a sense of community and togetherness, emphasizing the idea that no one can truly be separate from others.
Historical Context
The poem was published in 1855, during a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States. Slavery was still legal in many parts of the country, and tensions were rising between the North and the South over the issue. The concept of democracy was also being debated, with some arguing that only white men should have the right to vote.
Whitman's emphasis on the individual in a democratic society can be seen as a response to these debates. By celebrating the individual, he is asserting the value of every person, regardless of race or gender. His emphasis on the connection to nature and the value of every atom can also be seen as a response to the growing industrialization of the country, which was seen as damaging to the environment.
Conclusion
"One's Self I Sing" is a poem of self-discovery and celebration. The speaker asserts the importance of the individual in a democratic society, while also emphasizing the value of community and interconnectedness. The poem's emphasis on the body and its worthiness, as well as the energy and passion of life, suggest a desire for clarity and understanding. The poem's language is simple and direct, emphasizing the personal connection to the ideas being expressed. Finally, the poem can be seen as a response to the social and political debates of Whitman's time, emphasizing the value of every person and their connection to nature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
One's Self I Sing: A Celebration of Individuality and Unity
Walt Whitman's One's Self I Sing is a poem that celebrates the uniqueness and unity of the individual. It is a poem that speaks to the human spirit, inspiring us to embrace our individuality while recognizing our interconnectedness with others. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
Themes
One of the central themes of the poem is the celebration of the individual. Whitman begins the poem by singing "one's self," emphasizing the importance of the individual in the larger scheme of things. He goes on to describe the different aspects of the individual, including the physical, emotional, and intellectual. He celebrates the diversity of human experience, recognizing that each person is unique and valuable in their own way.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of unity. While Whitman celebrates the individual, he also recognizes that we are all connected to each other. He speaks of the "strong and delicious word" of "comradeship," emphasizing the importance of human connection and community. He recognizes that we are all part of a larger whole, and that our individuality is only meaningful in the context of our relationships with others.
Structure
The structure of the poem is relatively simple, consisting of four stanzas of equal length. Each stanza begins with the same phrase, "One's self I sing," emphasizing the central theme of the poem. Within each stanza, Whitman explores a different aspect of the individual, from the physical body to the soul. The repetition of the opening phrase creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem, reinforcing the idea that the individual is an integral part of the larger whole.
Language
Whitman's use of language in One's Self I Sing is both simple and powerful. He uses straightforward language to describe the different aspects of the individual, but his words are infused with a sense of wonder and reverence. He speaks of the "wonderful sight" of the human body, and the "delicious singing" of the soul. His language is celebratory, emphasizing the beauty and value of the individual.
Whitman also uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and unity in the poem. The repetition of the opening phrase in each stanza creates a sense of continuity, while the parallel structure of the lines within each stanza creates a sense of balance and harmony. For example, in the second stanza, Whitman writes:
"The female equally with the male I sing, Nor cease at the theme of One's-self I sing."
The repetition of "I sing" creates a sense of rhythm and unity, while the parallel structure of the lines emphasizes the equality of the male and female.
Conclusion
One's Self I Sing is a poem that celebrates the individual while recognizing our interconnectedness with others. It is a poem that speaks to the human spirit, inspiring us to embrace our uniqueness while recognizing our common humanity. Through its simple structure and powerful language, the poem creates a sense of unity and continuity, emphasizing the importance of the individual in the larger scheme of things. It is a poem that reminds us of the beauty and value of each person, and the importance of human connection and community.
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