1. Use of Free Verse:
Whitman famously abandoned traditional poetic forms and meter, opting for free verse. In Song of Myself, he employs irregular line lengths and lacks a consistent rhyme scheme, creating a sense of spontaneity and freedom in the poem.
2. Celebration of the Self and Individuality:
Whitman's poems often center on the celebration of the individual, and Song of Myself exemplifies this theme. The speaker in the poem exalts the self, declaring, "I celebrate myself, and sing myself." Whitman believed in the inherent worth of every individual and sought to capture the breadth of human experience in his poetry.
3. Transcendence and Spiritual Elements:
Song of Myself contains moments of transcendence and spiritual musings. Whitman connects the self to the larger universe and nature, exploring the relationship between the individual and the cosmos. He often uses mystical and religious imagery to express his spiritual ideas.
4. Inclusive and Expansive Language:
Whitman's language in Song of Myself is inclusive and wide-ranging. He incorporates colloquial speech, slang, and technical terms, blurring the boundaries between the literary and the everyday. Whitman also extensively uses cataloging and lists to accumulate images, objects, and experiences, creating a sense of vastness and multiplicity.
5. Emphasis on the Body and Sensual Experiences:
Whitman celebrates the body and physical experiences in his poetry. Song of Myself is no exception, as it includes erotic and sensual imagery. Whitman believed in the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms, and he reveled in the corporeal aspects of human existence.
6. Democratic and Egalitarian Spirit:
Whitman's poems are infused with a democratic and egalitarian spirit. In Song of Myself, he expresses a belief in the equality of all people, regardless of their background, status, or social class. Whitman sought to create a poetry that was accessible and relatable to all individuals.
7. Experimental and Non-Linear Structure:
Song of Myself is characterized by its experimental and non-linear structure. It consists of 52 discrete sections that loosely connect through themes and motifs, rather than following a traditional narrative arc. This open-ended structure reflects Whitman's desire to capture the flux and variability of human consciousness and experience.
Overall, Song of Myself embodies the key elements of Whitman's poetic style and philosophy, such as the celebration of the self, free verse, expansive language, and a focus on the body and spiritual elements. It is a quintessential Whitman poem that reflects his unique vision and contribution to American literature.