Mason

Wow. Imagine what people back then thought when they read that.

Wow. Imagine what people back then thought when they read that.

Whoa, that's a deep question. It really makes you look at the world differently, you know. And it's not just about the physical world either, right? He sees that same spark of life, that same wonder in every living being, like he says about the mouse.

Whoa, that's a deep question. It really makes you look at the world differently, you know. And it's not just about the physical world either, right? He sees that same spark of life, that same wonder in every living being, like he says about the mouse.

That's the one.

That's the one.

Instead of just, you know, squashing them. I'm starting to get this picture of Whitman as this like super observer.

Instead of just, you know, squashing them. I'm starting to get this picture of Whitman as this like super observer.

But also someone who's not afraid to dive into the less pleasant parts of life. He tackles the body, sexuality, even death topics most people would avoid, especially back then.

But also someone who's not afraid to dive into the less pleasant parts of life. He tackles the body, sexuality, even death topics most people would avoid, especially back then.

So it's not just about feeling connected to everything. It's about accepting everything, even the stuff that makes us squirm.

So it's not just about feeling connected to everything. It's about accepting everything, even the stuff that makes us squirm.

No hiding allowed. It makes me think of that section 28, I think, where he gives this incredibly raw, almost violent depiction of a sexual encounter. It must really push boundaries back then.

No hiding allowed. It makes me think of that section 28, I think, where he gives this incredibly raw, almost violent depiction of a sexual encounter. It must really push boundaries back then.

He doesn't let us off easy, does he? It's like he's holding up a mirror and saying, deal with it. But, you know, there's also this sense of freedom in his honesty. This boldness actually ties into another big part of Song of Myself, Whitman's democratic spirit.

He doesn't let us off easy, does he? It's like he's holding up a mirror and saying, deal with it. But, you know, there's also this sense of freedom in his honesty. This boldness actually ties into another big part of Song of Myself, Whitman's democratic spirit.

Exactly. And he sees poetry as a way to give everyone a voice, regardless of background.

Exactly. And he sees poetry as a way to give everyone a voice, regardless of background.

Not at all. He's intentionally highlighting everyday people, especially those on the margins of society.

Not at all. He's intentionally highlighting everyday people, especially those on the margins of society.