2. I Celebrate Myself

by Walt Whitman

Summary

by Walt Whitman

Summary

Introduction (or) Lesson And Author: ‘I Celebrate Myself’ is an extract from the poem “song of Myself”, written by Walt Whitman. This poem has its roots in the philosophical belief that all living and non-living entities are different forms of the supreme being. This poem is a rare blend of spirituality and patriotism.

Context and Meaning:  ‘Song of Myself’, is one of the most famous poems of America. This poem is important for its vision of equality and celebrates the glory of all creations and the creator. The poet celebrates the spirit of democracy, the greatness of the soil and the glory of the Lord. ‘I’ in the poem is the poet himself.

            The poet has a great admiration for the beauty of a blade of grass. He invites his soul to lean down and observe the blade of summer grass. The poet was 37 years old when he wrote the poem. He enjoys perfect health. He also hopes that he will continue to be in good health till his death. The poet appreciates every aspect of his life the land that he was born in, its soil and air. Celebration of this sort is nothing but singing the glory of God.

The poet expresses his immeasurable love for his motherland.  He says that every part of his body and every atom of his blood were formed from the soil of his native land. He adds that not lonely he, but his parents and their ancestors were born in the same country and thus were indebted to its soil and air. He is proud of his country and family.

The poet conveys that Nature guides us through her simple and straight forward ways. She is our friend, philosopher and guide. We can trust her much more that the man made creeds and schools of thoughts.

Critical Appreciation: The poet rightly points out, we are all equal in the true sense of the expression because we all came from the same source – the Almighty. The poet also appreciates every aspect of his life including his health, the land that he was born in, the attachment to his family and ancestors.  Thus ‘I Celebrate Myself’ is an expression of admiration for everything created by God and poets Patriotic feelings towards his homeland.