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Question: What is the theme for this poem by Whitman!?
By: Walt Whitman
ONE’S-SELF I sing—a simple, separate Person;
Yet utter the word Democratic, the word En-masse!.
Of Physiology from top to toe I sing;
Not physiognomy alone, nor brain alone, is worthy for the muse—I say the Form complete is worthier far;
The Female equally with the male I sing!. 5
Of Life immense in passion, pulse, and power,
Cheerful—for freest action form’d, under the laws divine,
The Modern Man I sing!.
Does this poem seem date or remains relevant today!.
What is the message!?
Is there any conflict in this poem!?
Who or what do you think "the Muse" is!?Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
This poem has relevance to all times!. It is a celebration of the individual self for its representation of all selves en masse in a democratic nation, the whole person, not a part, and female as well as male (the one idea that tends to date the poem)!. It is a cheerful, hopeful, forward looking message of free and whole participation in life in accordance with both nature and "laws divine!."!. The muse is the inspiring force for the poem and demands a whole person and a whole philosophy, not just parts and pieces!. There is contrast but not conflict in this poem!. The whole made from its parts is a type of contrast, but it enters into "Life immense" without conflict!. In a way, this is an affirmation that the democratic principle can work, with freedom for the individual, acknowledgment` of "laws divine" and living together en masse with fairness and participation for individuals!. Www@QuestionHome@Com