Today people are shaped by society’s notions; the culture shapes them into what it believes to be ideal. Nowadays, people continue to comply with new trends while following the traditions of the world around them. Through his opening lines, “I celebrate myself, and sing myself/ And what I assume you shall assume,/ For every atom belonging to me as well belongs to you.” (Whitman 26). Whitman introduces notions of individualism and collectivity, which he seems to continue developing in his writing. It is essential to love and cherish personal qualities as a person. In his poem, he also writes about an atom, acknowledging that every individual is made up differently. The author claims that self is an aspect to be celebrated and admired.
The lines “There was never any more inception than there is now, Nor any more youth or age than there is now” by Whitman refer to the vast amount of knowledge in the world. Whitman’s viewpoint is cyclical and contradicts the validity of conceptualizing our existence in sequential perspectives, contrasting with the linear view that always promises some consequence in the end. Even though practically all of our societal systems are set up this way, Whitman’s universe contradicts linearity at each level. Traditional perspective leads one to disregard the present by longing for a better tomorrow, whether in an individual or societal sense. Life is always flawless, and the social world will never be perfect either — Whitman has no consideration for the traditional perspective. Nowadays, he probably would have the same opinion, considering that the world’s history is also cyclical, and science is still developing as well as religion is still being questioned, as they were in his time.
“Song of Myself” is regarded as Whitman’s most important poem. In his poems, Whitman positions himself as the dominating figure in a gay relationship, thus compromising his sense of masculinity by presenting himself both as a heterosexual and gay person. Through his use and comprehension of both men’s and women’s roles of control and authority in romantic relationships, Whitman creates a new identity of sex and love. Whitman’s sexual depictions show his non-masculine mood, running throughout his work. Even though his poetry has a male undertone all through, the overwhelming sensuality of certain parts might challenge his masculinity and enable the poem to take on a more feminine persona.
Work Cited
Whitman, Walt. “Song of Myself.” 1892 version.” Poetry Foundation (1892).