Final answer:
In “Song of Myself,” Walt Whitman uses specific word choices and a conversational tone to reveal an intimate and authoritative speaker's voice, thereby creating trust and involvement in the poem's thematic exploration of life and unity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman uses word choice and tone to reveal the speaker's voice and forge a personal connection with the reader. Whitman's use of first-person narration and the conversational, sometimes prophetic tone in his free verse allows us to trust the speaker as someone with authentic insights into the universal experience. For instance, the poet's choice to use words like “I”, “myself”, and “the soul” reveals an intimate connection to the subjects being discussed, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences. The diction varies from simple and conversational to complex and philosophical, creating a multifaceted mood that can range from serene contemplation to vigorous celebration of life. These elements work together to create a voice that is both commanding and inclusive, thus drawing readers into the poem's thematic exploration of identity and unity with all aspects of life.
Considering tone, Whitman's poem exhibits a voice that is both authoritative and inviting, akin to the trustworthy tone that Billy Collins suggests is essential for readers to lose themselves in a poem. Like in many poems, the speaker's tone helps establish a relationship with the reader that dictates the poem's overall mood and credibility. If the tone sounds authentic and resonates with the reader, it is more likely to engender trust and involvement in the experience conveyed by the poem.
Reflecting on the word choice and tone in “Song of Myself”, one can understand that poets like Whitman craft their poems' voices deliberately, harnessing the power of language to evoke emotion and convey a lively, compelling presence. This voice becomes a powerful tool in transforming the poem from mere text to an immersive experience.