An Analysis Of Walt Whitman's I Hear America Singing

Words: 924
Pages: 4

Great writing derives from great inspiration. In Walt Whitman's case, he finds his sense of inspiration from the country he loves and lives in, especially from the working class. With America as his muse for his poem “I Hear America Singing”, Whitman's poetry holds a sense of pride and admiration for his nation by using literary devices such as metaphor, imagery, diction, symbolism, and the use of anaphora. With these elements and writing styles the author portrays america to be a positive, prosperous land where one can live out a dream of opportunity and passion.
The United States of America, was founded on the idea of being a land of liberty, which is defined as “The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed
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Singing, or having a song represents passion and happiness between individuals. Your voice matters and for the people described in this poem they are using their voice to sing about what they love. “The boatman singing what belongs to him” (Whitman line 7) shows this man is happy that he is allowed a career that allows him things he can claim his own. Also the “The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work” (Whitman lines 5-6) shows he is passionate about working. Suggesting he is living out his American dream. Putting the text aside and paying attention to the title “I Hear America Singing”, Whitman is inspired by his surroundings. He sees a society where people are joyous and have a sense of clarity and even states “Each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong” (Whitman line 2). Whitman himself is singing a song about happiness and his passion for this country. It is evident in this poem and even his other works of literature like “Leaves of Grass”, which is a piece about differences and how those differences are a strength and how greatness is produced from it, here in …show more content…
It is a home where one can thrive and prosper thanks to the individuals like the working class and the spirit of the nation. The United States of America was a place where one's song can be sung, one's dream and be lived, and one's purpose can be found thanks to opportunity. According to a Wiki search of Whitman, “Walter Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. A humanist, that was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works”. With that being said and recent political and nationalistic views of the country in 2017; it begs the question, Would Whitman still view America with such a positive light? Or join the many in hopes to end oppression, along with the new