Question

Discuss a major theme from Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself.” Explain how that theme reflects the realist perspective.

Answer 1

One major theme from “Song of Myself” is death. Unlike the romantics, he does not believe in the concept of heaven or hell:

What do you think has become of the young and old men?

And what do you think has become of the women and children?

They are alive and well somewhere,

The smallest sprout shows there is really no death,

Whitman believes that people do not really disappear after death. The remains of the dead mix with the earth and grow in the form of vegetation:

I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love,

If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.

Answer 2

Everyone is equal. “For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you” it is from the realist effect because he incorperates nature into explaining how everyone is equal