Final answer:
Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself' is celebrated for its transcendentalist themes, connection of individuality with the universal, and its enduring and influential presence in American literature. The poem's shock in 1855 was due to its departure from traditional poetic form, its vivid and sensual imagery, and its promotion of individualism within a societal context of conformity. It remains relevant due to its celebration of life and unity in diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interpretation of Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself'
Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself' is a central piece of his literary contribution, reflecting his transcendentalist association and celebration of individualism and democracy. The poem is known for its provocative nature at the time of publication in 1855 but has since become recognized as one of American literature's most influential works. Whitman uses candid and common language and imagery to describe himself and the world, uniting individuality with universal experience. His use of simple language, deep cadences, and absence of traditional rhyme and meter was initially jarring to readers but ultimately contributed to the poem's endurance. He champions Americanness by connecting 'the great and the common' through language, mirroring his lifestyle and occupation of many roles that connected him with various societal strata.
Whitman's poetry, especially 'Song of Myself', served to upend contemporary expectations of poetry, celebrating the commonplace and inviting the spirit of democracy through its connection with the everyday person and experiences. The poem's imagery spans from observing a blade of grass to encapsulating wider themes of existence and connection to humanity. The shock of 1855 may have stemmed from Whitman's novel poetic form, his sensual imagery, and the strong emphasis on the individual's role in the broader tapestry of life, at a time when societal norms did not necessarily encourage such declarations of self.
Ultimately, 'Song of Myself' endures because of its timeless themes of unity amid diversity, the celebration of life's simple pleasures, and a deep resonating call for a more inclusive and appreciative viewpoint on life and society, making it a staple of American poetic expression.