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From Imagination In Walt Whitman's Song To Myself

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Walt Whitman’s Song to Myself was quite unique as he moved from one topic to the next quickly. It allows for one the option to not dwell on one topic too long as the imagination is powerful and allows us the opportunity to become a “free companion” as Whitman himself is. Whitman begins by describing the degree of his imagination. The first few lines within section 33 allow us to understand just how powerful our imagination can be as it can travel through any part of the world. For example, Whitman writes that he circles mountains and travels continents all while beginning to come to terms with what he is taking in. As you continue reading one quickly can catch insight of what the imagination has the power to do as Whitman begins to get specific …show more content…

For example, Whitman begins to describe where different animals wander and or what they are doing such as a mockingbird. Whitman describes the mockingbird as making sounds which he indicated were delicious, literally meaning they are quite delightful. The imagery he implicated in this gives the reader the ability to place themselves where Whitman is and hear these sounds in which the mockingbird is generating. Loving the mockingbird sounds for a brief moment but quickly transferring there attention to winter wolves howling amongst the iced trees and snow then quickly moving on to describe how he is satisfied with each individual he encounters such as the natives and foreigners. As you continue reading he reassures his readers that he only “anchors his ship” for a brief moment as he is a free companion and cannot dwell on things too long in order to love all things equally and quickly as he encompasses the world. Whitman’s ability to create a piece of literature quickly moving from subject to subject allows the reader the opportunity to see things only for what they are, not allowing the reader to find things about the subject that could hinder their thoughts and change their ability to love such a thing equally when comparing to another

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