Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” is a good reflection on an individual’s role in the world and his or her relationship with fellow human beings and nature. This song is set in different sections. The poet uses themes and stylistic devices to integrate different sections of the song. The fifty two sections of the song are connected in unexpected ways. These ways are achieved using literary devices and themes. Analyzing the stylistic devices and themes in section 31 of the poem can help one understand the connection between this section and the entire work.
The poet demonstrates his collective nature in his work through different stylistic devices. The poet understands that he can be part of nature and not a single entity. Specifically, in section 31, the author explains how “the pismire is equally perfect, and a grain of sand, and the egg of the wren…” by use of anaphora. These lines are formed using list of words, which are similar to indicate the natural ties between the different entities of nature.
This equality of line in section 31 also occurs in other sections. For instance, in section 48, the poet notes that “I have said that the soul is not more than the body, / And I have said that the body is not more than the soul.” These two lines in section 31 and 48 demonstrate the peace in poem by overcoming the stereotyping between the soul and the body. In addition, they focus on connections and rules out the differences.
When one carefully reads the entire poem, it is realized that there is a connection of events in different sections in a very fine way. In addition, the connection is done in a way that one least expects. For instance, at the beginning of the entire poem, the poet begins his work by stating a question about grass growth (Bohan 16). Further, it comes to light that the poet explains the development of the grass (Bloom 113).
The connection of different sections does not exclude section 31. For instance, there is a link between section 29 and 31. In section 29, the poet talks about the sprouting of grass. In section 31, the poet continues with the explanation of the entire process of growth. This is an indication that the grass that had sprouted earlier has now grown (Whitman 1).
Section 31 of the poem has a number of themes, which are also reflected in the other sections. The key themes identified in this poem include the theme of identity, visions of America, friendship, spirituality, and sex.
The theme of identity is represented by the word identity. However, the word identity occurs a couple times in the poem. In different sections, the word is represented by words like “me”, “myself”, “herself”, “self”, and “universal soul”. Some of these words are also used in section 31. For instance, at one point in the poem, the author recognizes the identity of blacks’ self-government. In advocating for the identity of race, the poet quotes that, “who might you find you have come from if you could trace back through the centuries?” (Whitman 45).
The theme of the visions of America is portrayed in other section of the poem. The poet has a desire of seeing the Americans come together. As he advocates for self-government, the poet significantly mentions the word “republics” and avoids the words American Republic. The poet has the motive of reminding people the bond of togetherness.
The theme of sex in the poem is a discussion of sexuality, rather than sex itself. The poem in different section offers open discussions on scandals relating to sexuality. By use of metaphors, the poet is able to address this theme. For example, the author uses the word “jetting” to refer to ejaculation. In addition, the word “father stuff” refers to semen. The poet insists on celebration of sex, rather than portraying it as a shameful act in the society.
In summary, by the use of metaphor, the author can present the theme of sex, and religion. For example, the poet says that, “I mind how we lay in June, such a transparent summer morning”. In this metaphor, the poet is referring to the soul. Finally, a metaphor is also used to indicate love. The poet quotes that, “you settled your head athwart my hips and gently turned over upon me, / and parted the shirt from my bosom-bone, and plunged your tongue to my bare strip heart” (Whitman 1).
The poet uses literary and philosophical works to connect his work. For instance, in sections 35-36, the poet uses the works of war in Britain. These works are vital in linking these sections. These works when used are essential to help a reader understand the context in which the poem is set. Last, the setting of the poem is done in different locations. For instance, section 8 covers the chaos in a city. Section nine is set in the countryside.
In summary, the poet of the “Song of Myself” has connected section 31 and other sections by use of stylistic devices and themes. The themes are represented in different sections by use of different words. In addition, the poet begins an activity in one section and continues with it in other sections. Finally, similar literary devices are applied in different sections for a similar purpose.
Works Cited
Bloom, Harold. Walt Whitman. USA: Infobase Publishing, 2009. Print.
Bohan, Ruth. Looking Into Walt Whitman: American Art, 1850 – 1920. USA: Penn State Press, 2006. Print.
Whitman, Walt. Song of Myself. Poetry foundation, n.d. Web.