Final answer:
The voice in Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself' that addresses the reader is 'myself', which reflects a synthesis of personal identity and collective human experience, central to Whitman's themes of democracy and individualism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The voice that addresses the reader in Walt Whitman's poem 'Song of Myself' can be identified as myself. This answer corresponds to option 1. Whitman's poetry, especially in 'Song of Myself,' is known for its use of a very personal and individualistic voice that also speaks to universal experiences, creating a collective sense of self. In 'Song of Myself,' Whitman uses the first-person voice to celebrate not just his own identity, but to encompass all humanity, symbolically unifying the individual with the universal.
The poem reflects Whitman's ideals of democracy and individualism by emphasizing the shared experiences of life and a common bond among people. Whitman's language is deeply rooted in natural elements as well as urban landscapes, showcasing his celebration of both the human-made and the earthy, and how they form the tapestry of American life. This approach is part of what makes Whitman's work resonate as the voice of Americanness and a central figure in American poetry.