Question

Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" begins lazily: "I loafe and invite my soul, / I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass" (lines 4–5). Discuss the power of leisureliness in this poem. How are the long lines and rhythms contributing to a sense of being at ease? How do patience and restfulness look in comparison with the obvious ambitions of the poem?

Answer 1

In "Song of Myself" written by Walt Whitman it presents a slow, but pleasant and cozy rhythm, the author uses long lines that establish a complete thought and promote a simple interpretation, which does not require much effort from the reader to understand it. The configuration of the lines and the establishment of the rhythm of this poem, together with the words that compose it, allows the reader to savor a feeling of physical and mental relaxation, as if he were in an activity that provides leisure and rest and not a storm of emotions. and reflections, as poems can do.

The rhythm and long lines allow the reader to read the poem patiently, promoting the same rest and relaxation that the speaker of the poem seems to be having, without unpredictability and without furor in the soul.