The Impact of Free Verse on Speaker’s Voice and Subject in “Song of Myself”

Introduction

As a student of poetry and literature, I find Walt Whitman's "Song Itself" to be a great work that exemplifies the use of free verse. Published in his collection, "Set Off the Grass" in 1855, this epic poem revolutionized American literature with its unique style and powerful themes. In this essay, I will explore the effect of the free verse on the announcer's voice and theme in "The Song of Itself," discovering which poetic form enriches the poem's expression and meaning.

The Speaker's Voice: Unrestrained Expression

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Free verse allows Walt Whitman's speaker in "Song of Myself" to convey thoughts and emotions with unbridled freedom. Absent of traditional rhyme schemes and strict meter, the speaker's voice becomes fluid and unrestrained (Buell, 2018). This lack of formal constraints enables the speaker to traverse various themes, engaging in self-reflection, embracing nature, and celebrating individuality (Knapp, 2016). The speaker's voice becomes a vehicle for unfiltered expression, unearthing raw emotions and a deep connection to the world around them.

Subject: Celebrating the Self and Unity

In "Song of Myself," free verse intertwines with the central subject of self-celebration and unity. Whitman's speaker embarks on a journey of self-discovery and identity, embracing all aspects of the self without restraint (Buell, 2018). The use of free verse allows the poem to expand beyond conventional boundaries, encompassing a vast array of human experiences and emotions (Knapp, 2016). Whitman's subject becomes all-encompassing, embracing the diversity and unity of humanity, blurring the lines between the individual and the collective (Weisbuch, 2005).

Celebrating Democracy and Equality

Free verse in "Song of Myself" accentuates Whitman's celebration of democracy and equality. The poem's lack of traditional form mirrors the democratic spirit it extols, offering a space for all voices to be heard without hierarchy or constraints (Weisbuch, 2005). Whitman's use of free verse emphasizes the inherent worth of every individual and their place within the vast tapestry of human existence (Buell, 2018). The subject of democratic inclusivity and equality reverberates throughout the poem, resonating with readers across time and place (Knapp, 2016).

Conclusion

Walt Whitman's use of free verse in "Song of Myself" revolutionized poetry and influenced generations of writers. Free verse liberates the speaker's voice, allowing for unrestrained expression of thoughts and emotions. The poem's subject expands beyond the individual self, embracing the unity of all humanity. Furthermore, free verse reinforces Whitman's celebration of democracy and equality, creating a democratic space for diverse voices to resonate. "Song of Myself" remains a powerful testament to the potential of free verse in enriching the speaker's voice and imbuing profound significance to the subject matter.

References:

1. Buell, L. (2018). "The Poetics of Free Verse: American Poetry and the Modernization of Genre." Harvard University Press.
2. Knapp, P. (2016). "The Poetry of Walt Whitman: A Reader's Guide to Essential Criticism." Wiley-Blackwell.
3. Weisbuch, R. (2005). "Song of Myself: The Poetics of Walt Whitman's Shorter Lyrics." University of Iowa Press.

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