"Song of Myself"

Charles So

English 48B

March 10, 2011

Journal for Whitman

Author Quote:

"There is that in me I do not know what it is but i know it is in me." (73)

"It is not chaos or death it is form, union, plan  it is eternal life it is Happiness" (73)

Internet Quote:

"Whitman’s grand poem is, in its way, an American epic. Beginning in medias res—in the middle of the poet’s life—it loosely follows a quest pattern. “Missing me one place search another,” he tells his reader, “I stop somewhere waiting for you.” In its catalogues of American life and its constant search for the boundaries of the self “Song of Myself” has much in common with classical epic." (Sparknotes search Walt Whitman)

Summary:

In "Song of Myself," Whitman beautifully explains his own experiences in life and travel. The quote i chose comes near the end and most of the pages at the end are very similar as Whitman tries to explain his own nature and beliefs.  

Personal Opinion:

I'm not sure what to call "Song of Myself," since it is so long i don't want to call it poetry because poetry is suppose to be short and sweet, as i have known it to be. There is definitely a great deal of appreciation for the human body and sensuality, Whitman for me speaks in a existential manner, because for me his writing is transcending the conventional understanding of life and self being. For example Whitman obviously knows his own greatness "It is time to explain myself let us stand up," (67) here he celebrates himself, whether or not other people understand or acknowledge him, Whitman knows his craft is something special and that he himself is ascending while others are on a steady flow.