In this paper the author concentrates on one of Walt Whitman's most important poems: "Song of Myself" ,which is an exploration of the author himself, nature and his surroundings ,especially the symbolism of "grass" in it.
The author starts by classifying Leaves of Grass in American Literature, and to put the title of the book in context with the usage of grass in the poem. In the main part of the paper she is of course going to focus on the grass, how it is used and what it means, spanning themes of individuality, knowability of nature and ecology, also using theoretical approaches by Greg Garrard, W.J.T. Mitchell and Lawrence Buell.
Whitman tries to abstractly answer those questions for himself, especially considering how frail Americans must’ve felt on the brink of the Civil War and over the controversy of the slave trade. The theory brought forward is that the grass in the poem symbolizes humanity and life, but also death and decay, which is in one way a stark contrast. But then again, it also makes total sense after having read the whole poem, because it all connects in the life span of a human being.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Leaves of Grass as a ground-breaking American story
- The role of grass in Song of Myself
- Individuality as a spear of grass
- Knowability of Nature
- Usage of symbols and ecology in the poem
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the symbolism of grass in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself," exploring its multifaceted representation of life, death, and the human condition within the context of Whitman's groundbreaking work, Leaves of Grass. The analysis considers the poem's place within the American literary landscape and its innovative use of free verse.
- The significance of "Leaves of Grass" as a revolutionary work in American literature.
- The multifaceted symbolism of grass in "Song of Myself," representing both life and death.
- The exploration of individuality and self-discovery within the poem.
- Whitman's engagement with themes of nature and ecology.
- The poem's relevance to questions of identity and the human experience.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces Walt Whitman and his seminal work, Leaves of Grass, highlighting its enduring impact and innovative style. It establishes the central focus on the poem "Song of Myself" and the symbolic use of grass, suggesting the dual representation of life and death within the poem's exploration of the human condition. The author's personal engagement with Whitman's work is highlighted, demonstrating a deep personal connection with the poet's themes. The introduction sets the stage for a close reading of "Song of Myself" focusing on the symbolism of grass within a larger context of American literature and the challenges faced during Whitman's time.
Leaves of Grass as a ground-breaking American story: This section positions Leaves of Grass within the American Renaissance, contrasting it with the European Renaissance and highlighting Whitman's unique contribution to American poetry. It emphasizes Whitman's innovative use of free verse, long lines, and repetition. The discussion contrasts Whitman's approach with that of Transcendentalists like Thoreau, emphasizing Whitman's more inclusive approach to themes of sexuality and his challenge to societal norms. The chapter details the multiple editions of Leaves of Grass and the deliberate choice of title, interpreted as a pun representing both the literal leaves of grass and the pages of the book. The symbolism of the title is explored in depth, connecting it to themes of nature and the Transcendentalist ideal of unity with nature. The chapter concludes by discussing the initial lack of titles for poems in the first edition and the eventual evolution of the title "Song of Myself," emphasizing its significance within the collection.
Keywords
Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Song of Myself, grass symbolism, American Renaissance, free verse, nature, ecology, individuality, life, death, identity, American literature.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Grass Symbolism in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself"
What is the overall focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the symbolism of grass in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself," exploring its multifaceted representation of life, death, and the human condition within the context of Whitman's groundbreaking work, Leaves of Grass. It examines the poem's place within the American literary landscape and its innovative use of free verse.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the significance of Leaves of Grass as a revolutionary work in American literature; the multifaceted symbolism of grass in "Song of Myself," representing both life and death; the exploration of individuality and self-discovery; Whitman's engagement with themes of nature and ecology; and the poem's relevance to questions of identity and the human experience.
What is covered in the Introduction chapter?
The introduction introduces Walt Whitman and Leaves of Grass, highlighting its impact and style. It establishes the central focus on "Song of Myself" and the symbolic use of grass, suggesting its dual representation of life and death. The author's personal connection with Whitman's themes is mentioned, setting the stage for a close reading of "Song of Myself" within a larger context of American literature and the challenges of Whitman's time.
What does the chapter on "Leaves of Grass as a ground-breaking American story" discuss?
This section positions Leaves of Grass within the American Renaissance, contrasting it with the European Renaissance and highlighting Whitman's unique contribution to American poetry. It emphasizes his innovative use of free verse, long lines, and repetition, contrasting his approach with Transcendentalists. The chapter details multiple editions of Leaves of Grass, explores the symbolism of the title, and discusses the evolution of the title "Song of Myself."
What are the main keywords associated with this analysis?
The keywords include Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Song of Myself, grass symbolism, American Renaissance, free verse, nature, ecology, individuality, life, death, identity, and American literature.
What is the structure of the provided text preview?
The preview includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It offers a comprehensive overview of the paper's content and approach.
What is the purpose of analyzing the symbolism of grass in "Song of Myself"?
Analyzing the symbolism of grass allows for a deeper understanding of Whitman's exploration of life, death, individuality, and the interconnectedness of nature and the human condition within the context of his revolutionary poetic style and its impact on American literature.
How does this paper contribute to academic understanding of Whitman's work?
By providing a detailed analysis of the symbolism of grass in "Song of Myself," the paper offers a new perspective on a central image in one of Whitman's most significant poems, enriching our understanding of his thematic concerns and his place in American literary history.
- Quote paper
- Teresa Ruß (Author), 2017, Grass As a Symbol For Life and Death in Walt Whitman's "Song of myself", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/459907
