In Whitman’s Song of Myself, section 7, he presents a speaker who is open minded and accepting, but at the same time the speaker is innocent and naive of evil. The first stanza sets an interesting tone for the rest of the section, as the speaker says, “Has anyone supposed it lucky to be born? I hasten to inform him or her it is just as lucky to die, and I know it” (Whitman 983). This statement is playing on the audience’s preconception of life and death, and asserts a connection between life and death; presenting them as identical events in the course of life. In the second stanza the speaker again associates life and death when he says, “I pass death with the dying and birth with the new-washed babe” (Whitman 983), and again tries to bend the listener to acceptance of death and it’s union with life.
I’d like to contrast that perspective of utmost optimism and acceptance with the writings of Frederick Douglass. In Douglass’s Narrative Of The Life, he writes of one particular incident in his life that “It was the blood-stained gate, the entrance to the hell of slavery, through which I was about to pass. It was a most terrible spectacle. I wish I could commit to paper the feelings with which I beheld it” (Douglass 925). I think the differences in view between Whitman and Douglass are extreme to say the least, with Whitman writing of acceptance and even writing, “Undrape! you are not guilty to me . . . “ (Whitman 983). Whitman’s writings, while inspirational and well written, show a level of innocence that is separate, and perhaps ignorant of the cruel and evil nature that some people possess, as was demonstrated in Douglass’s account.
I would have to agree that Walt Whitman is a free lance writer. Which is the type of style that I love. One of my favorite part of the poem that stands out to me "Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged, missing me one place search another, I stop somewhere waiting for you" (whitman 987). We can that this part of the poem we can see that he shows a great example of being a free spirit even after death. He shows us that no matter what kind of person you are, and if you love someone no matter what that person will wait for you in the end.
ReplyDeleteI think Walt Whitman is a feel good go with the flow writer who was ahead of his time because he writes of forgiveness and acceptance in a time in which neither were common.I love when says in number 7 "Undrape!you are not guilty to me, nor stale nor discarded,I see through the broadcloth and gingham whether or no, and am around,tenacious,acquisitive, tireless, and cannot be shaken away" (Whitman 983).Whitman invites the reader to open up and understand that he is accepting and non-judgemental and this is a beautiful sentiment.
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