The Value Of Conformity In Walt Whitman's Song Of Myself

Throughout the span of this semester, much of the literature discussed revolved around the so-called renaissance of American literature and its impact upon both the nation and its people. Of all the authors studied in this time period, Walt Whitman may well be known as the quintessential American author. Famous for breaking every rule known to poetry in the inimitable compilation, Song of Myself, Whitman provided a fresh and insightful commentary upon the dualistic nature of society, love, and life itself. Through defining these essential aspects of humanity, Whitman indeed composed one of the most accurate and enduring definitions of the individual self that literature, American or otherwise, has ever seen. Specifically, this was done through

From the first poem’s opening lines, “I celebrate myself, and sing myself, and what I assume you shall assume, for every atom belonging to me as good as belongs to you” the reader can infer that Whitman sees himself as an individual, but also as belonging to the collective ensemble of humanity. Such a balance of selfish needs along with the desire to fit into society is a problem that transcends time periods and is an essential part of every person’s development. In section two, Whitman clarifies his thoughts on this duality, of self and selves, symbolically through perfumes and fragrances which crowd people’s homes. Unsurprisingly Whitman is not writing literally but rather uses the perfume as a metaphor for societal norms and expectations, while defining individuality as the untainted atmosphere. Whitman claims that while he breathes the fragrance of normalcy “and knows it, and likes it, the distillation would intoxicate” him. Meanwhile “the atmosphere is not a perfume, it has no taste of the distillation, it is odorless, it is in my mouth forever.” From these excerpts, it becomes clear that while Whitman values the basis and general rules provided by societies constructs, it is the untainted arena of individuality which truly excites

Whitman claims that “there was never any more inception than there is now…nor any more heaven or hell than there is now.” The remainder of the poem goes on to say that similar to the law of conservation of matter, the impending presence of any aspect of life is constant, driven only by humanities “procreant urge.” Yet rather than lazily labeling the variety of essential human traits such as youth, old age, sex and isolation; Whitman divides the world based upon his soul saying, “Clear and sweet is my soul, and clear and sweet is all that is not my soul.” While at first this may appear to be a weak dichotomy that is far too lenient of evil actions, Whitman continues to write of it that “lack one lack both.” This somewhat ambiguous statement becomes clarified when observed against the larger backdrop of the idea of the self which Whitman is attempting to paint. Essentially, without the awareness or experience of ideas or actions that are decidedly not a part of your soul, it is nearly impossible to construct a genuine personal and moral code. Just as without darkness there is no light, without a definition and example of what is wrong, identifying a correct moral path becomes infinitely