The poem is a celebration of the self and the interconnectedness of all things, and Whitman uses his own experiences, thoughts, and observations to explore these themes. He is both the speaker and the subject of the poem, blurring the lines between observer and observed.
Here's how he's present:
* First-person narration: The poem is told in the first person, with Whitman directly addressing the reader and sharing his personal thoughts and feelings.
* Self-portraits: Throughout the poem, Whitman paints vivid self-portraits, describing his physical appearance, his habits, his desires, and his fears.
* Experiences: He shares a vast array of personal experiences, from his childhood to his travels to his encounters with different people.
* Thoughts and observations: He reflects on topics ranging from nature and sexuality to death and democracy.
It's important to remember that "Songs of Myself" is not just a biography of Walt Whitman. It's a universal poem that uses his personal journey to explore themes that resonate with all humanity. He becomes a representative figure for the individual self, speaking to our shared experiences and aspirations.