Identity In Walt Whitman's Song Of Myself

Who are humans without identity? What is the purpose of life if it is not lived through each person’s perspective? Why does society identify others, rather than individuals identifying themselves? It is the duty of society to answer these questions reveal their true identity into the world. Transcendentalism uses this ideology to connect the body, soul, and mind. In Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself”, Whitman uses figurative language, symbolism and the element of theme to express the principles of Transcendentalism.
To begin with, Whitman uses figurative language to portray the ideas of Transcendentalism. He expresses his Transcendental views of happiness and identity. In “Song of Myself” he states, “Who has done his day’s work? Who will soonest be through with his supper?...Will you speak before I am gone? Will you prove already too late?” (“Song of Myself”). Whitman questions the daily routines of

He praises the idea of becoming “undisguised” and being proud of one’s self. In “Song of Myself” he divulged, “You shall no longer take things at second or third hand, nor look through the eyes of the dead, nor feed on the specters in books…You shall listen to all sides and filter from yourself” (“Song of Myself”). Whitman encourages individuals to look at the world through their own perspective, their own lens. He pressures the reader to not let society create lenses for others. Ralph Emerson also believes the Transcendental idea of individualism. In “Self-Reliance” he states, “…imitation is suicide…trust thyself...accept the place the divine providence have found for you...”(“Self-Reliance”). Emerson advocates the concept of having confidence in one’s self and expressing their confidence throughout life. He explains how individualism is a beautiful thing. Wrecking that through imitation would only destroy one’s soul and