Question

“The Spotted Hawk Swoops By,” completes Whitman's “Song of Myself.” What do lines 7-16 suggest about the theme of Whitman's long, multi-part poem? How is Verse 52 a fitting conclusion to the larger work?'

Answer 1

In Walt Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself,” lines 7-16 introduce several important themes that will reoccur frequently. For instance, when Whitman references the many past generations of family members that led to his birth (7), he illustrates the countless and myriad generations of humanity that are distilled down in the present generation. Furthermore, when Whitman references “creeds and schools in abeyance” (10), he touches on the many differing beliefs and ideas at work in the world, which will again be an important addition to his discussion of multiplicity throughout the poem. Finally, Whitman’s description of smelling many perfumes (14-16) is a precursor to his later mission to inhale and swallow as many different experiences as possible. (you can add more this is just some stuff I found)

That is for lines 7-16 that I found. I dont know about verse 52

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions ☺

Answer 2

One of the main themes that we encounter in Whitman's poem is that of diversity and humanity. Whitman discusses how humans are joined together in a long line between the past, the present and the future. A long line of characters lived, loved and died before Whitman was born. Presumably, many others will come after. The ideas, knowledge, experiences and dreams of all these people will be condensed and passed down in time to the present. This is the theme that is explored in the lines 7-16.

Verse 52 is a fitting conclusion to the larger work as it once more discusses how Whitman is only created through a combination of everything that came before him, as well as everything that has ever been connected to him. He tells us that he dissolves, and he joins the landscape that he loves. He is part of everything, and if we were to look for him, we would find him everywhere and nowhere.