Transcendentalism in Walt Whitman’s Poem One’s-self I Sing

“America is singing a democratic song.” Transcendentalism started from the 30s of the 19th century. America had sung a new song in the form of literature. The new period approximately lasted until the end of the American Civil War. The also called the Romantic Movement came from a reflection of a national sense. Romanticism derived from Germany as a reaction towards Rationalism and the Industrial Revolution. Like in John Winthrop’s sermon indicates unity, equality, obeying God. Furthermore, Walt Whitman’s poems are linked with these qualities. This essay discusses Whitman’s poem “One’s-Self I Sing” is reflected in the Renaissance era in the American Literature.

Transcend means “to rise above or to go beyond the limit.” Walt Whitman is a Transcendentalist writer. He approached literature in a new way. Accordingly, Transcendentalism derived from Romanticism where the American hero would come in, in the form of art and deeds. Furthermore, the hero Whitman rejected the Rationalism scientific approach that is based on materialistic objects. He reinforced not just the mind nor the physical, but everything that is around it. In his writing, Whitman raised his voice calling for freedom in a practical way. For instance, he often wrote about equality between men and women; to the extend he wrote about relationships between the same sex. In addition, in his feminist voice, he proclaimed for women’s power. As a Transcendentalist, Walt believed “Perfection”, changing what is needed to be changed. He notarized the right of living equal social life for all. Although, Whitman overwhelmingly called for individuals rights, he also supported the US politics as well. For example, he volunteered to help the wounded soldiers during the Civil War.

Distinguishing any work of literature by Walt; Leaves of Grass is the remarkable one. In its many reprinted editions, the One’s-Self I Sing is about individual and what surrounds it. The whole universe in the sense of self, body, beyond self and look beyond self; there are the main theme of this poem. Like in Transcendentalism believes in connection with God, this poem is referring to look deeper and to connect with the divine. Furthermore, in his poem Walt’s was asking people to share and unite their lives with and for each other. He thought that life and human body are nothing but one thing that cannot be separated. For example, Transcendentalists believe that through the journey of life, the soul experience is more important than the human’s body.

In the modern ideas Walt was promoting, One’s-Self I Sing is a great ideal example of the American Naissance norm. For instance, he presented the democratic America. In other words, he spoke of himself referring to America as the modern man he is. In addition, Walt saw the significance idea of living life with passion and see the horizon beyond the feet “an outlook towards a democratic future.” He strongly states that no one is above the law. Whitman ended his poem with a concrete principle in Transcendentalism that the law American should follow is not the law of land but it is the law of the ultimate.

In conclusion, a great literature connection was reflected between the Renaissance era and work of the transcendentalist Walt Whitman’s poems. The typical though of “rise above all” was clearly seen in Walt’s writing. Finally, his valuable feelings were transformed in the form of democracy, gender equality, life, passion and to look to a further outlook.