Walt Whitman

A detailed Summary of Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman's diverse and self-conscious writing style contains many poetic devices which distinguish him among the great American writers. One such device common to Whitman's poetry is the use of cataloguing. Through cataloguing, Whitman is able to enter into the text multiple ideas and situations, alluding to topics which are central to his work. Though these seemingly unrelated events all contain diverse themes, evoking various thoughts, it is through cataloguing that they successfully reveal the wisdom of the man and his impressions. In 'Song of Myself', Whitman's frequent use of the catalogue promotes strong meaning to the poem, effectively displaying to the reader Whitman's great insight into the consciousness of human thought, and ultimate realism which characterized his writings.

'Song of Myself' contains many passages which are easily relatable to the reader, creating a sense of familiarity which makes Whitman a truly realistic writer. This realism is what allowed the poem to acquire universal acceptance, as well as great praise. Whitman takes the reader through his world, encountering life's events through the eyes of the poet, these encounters ultimately embodying as well as comprising his personal iden

The deacons are ordain'd with cross'd hands at the altar,

the oats and rye, (269-272).

Cataloguing is used in 'Song of Myself' in order to allow the reader to enter and encounter events in his life. Catalogues are created in his mind consisting of numerous, random events. Every entry in a catalogue is written in the present tense, giving it an ecstatic feel, as if everything is happening at once; the reader is immersed in Whitman's journey of self-experience. Everything seems to be going through the author's mind at once. This is comparable to almost everyone's life. We all go through life encountering numerous events, these experiences shaping each individual's identity. The catalogues are constantly bombarding the reader, speaking with a direct bluntness which is always in immediate context. The arrangement of numerous events forms the poem's catalogues, which are an abstract yet highly effective form of juxtaposition. The cataloguing of sections of the poem allow insight into Whitman's thoughts, dealing with diverse topics such as social concern, love, mortality, politics, social class, technology as well as countless others.

The duck-shooter walks by silent and cautious stretches,

Upon first reading, taken literally, this passage seems sporadic and confusing, but upon introspection, one will realize that Whitman is using cataloguing effectively to appeal to a mass audience. The duck-shooter, the deacons, the spinning-girl and the farmer are all completely unique, creating

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Approximate Word count = 1027
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: People