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In Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself,” in what ways does “I celebrate myself…” serve as an appropriate introduction to the themes and...

"I celebrate myself" is the first portion of the first line of Walt Whitman's most famous poem, "Song of Myself." It is a fitting introduction, as Whitman's sprawling verse is most seriously concerned with developing a radical conception of the individual. In 52 sections, Whitman explores various themes, ideas, and images, but he returns again and again to the self in what becomes a celebration of the individual and the interconnected structure of the universe.


"I celebrate myself" is a fitting introduction to this project, as it introduces Whitman's most important theme: the sovereignty of the self and the exploration of individual identity. This introductory line, along with the first section it precedes, touches on this basic theme at multiple points, as Whitman calls out to his "soul" (4), considers aspects of his physical body (6), and prepares to speak, "Hoping to cease not till death" (9). In short, "I celebrate myself" immediately orients the reader to the foundation of "Song of Myself": Whitman's extensive, even epic, exploration of the nature of identity. 

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