Song of Myself

Walt Whitman reaches the heart of the Transcendentalist movement in his epic poem, "Song of Myself." There seems to be something exhilarating and celebratory about humankind. At the same time, he encourages one to delve deep within in order to further understand and accept oneself. In his portrait, he displays rugged individualism, a quality highly praised in the Transcendentalist movement. The tilt of the hat on his head and his fist placed casually on his waist clearly displays his confidence and security. He stands comfortably, self-assured of his own identity. Whitman's direct gaze toward the viewer appears to beckon and entice us in a celebratory embrace of mankind. After several weeks of studying Blue Velvet, which delved on the darker aspect of humanity, "Song of Myself" was a pleasant change as it focused on a more optimistic view of humankind.