Analysis of Walt Whitman Ethos Essay

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Walt Whitman's Ethos America

The poetry and thoughts of Walt Whitman are compelled by a great need to bring together the conception of a soul that is disembodied with its own veneration for human physicality. Whitman considers that an abyss or gap has been formed between these two aspects and is determined to bring them together. In essence, he is of the belief that the metaphysical aspect of humans is completely detached from the physical aspect. It is these convictions, applied to the United States that made him the greatest poet. The thesis of this research paper seeks to elucidate the unity that Whitman desires through his different poems.

The notion of an ethereal soul and the presence of a pure, imperceptible spiritual world have triumphed in countless philosophical and religious civilizations during the course of history. In accordance to Plato in the Republic, the soul is distinguished into three specific parts, which are Logos for reason, Eros for desire and Thumos for spirit or emotion. However, the soul comes about as a result of the combination of each of these elements and is deemed to be a separate entity within the human being. In particular, Plato acknowledges the probability of an extra-sensible activity that makes preparation for the soul for rational and sound judgment. Plato imitates the power of literature in the society. He makes literal thoughts, the precondition to logos, which is speech or sensible account, because of its capability to objectify in the soul the very ethos essential for sound judgment. Literature and Poems have the capacity to accomplish this because they generate modifications in the state of the soul itself.

In the poem "I hear America Singing," Walt Whitman acknowledges the disparities between the different kinds of people in America, taking note that the voices he overhears and makes out are "each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else" (Whitman 313 Lines 9-11).

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However, the ethos of the poem in particular is one that reiterates social closeness, togetherness, and inclusion. According to Whitman, despite the fact that there are differences amongst the people, America remains to be a single combination and sequence of peoples. This poem underlines Whitman's essential outlook toward America, which is an element of his epitome of human life. The nation of America has founded its faith on the creativity and innovativeness of labor, which Whitman venerates in "I hear America Singing." The sequence of craftsmen takes into account not only the extent and coverage of the American region, but also the enormous and diverse field of American accomplishment. This poem articulates the love and adoration that Whitman has for America. This is with regard to its vivacity, variability, and the substantial success, which is the result of the inventive and resourceful effort of all its people.

One aspect that the person, and optimism portrayed by Whitman's work with respect to America and the future is the equality between a man and a woman in the society. He has a democratic conviction that both man and woman are equal to one another, and this outlook is particularly profound and substantial in his elucidations of the males and female life forms. The romantic optimism that is revealed in "I Sing the Body Electric" is that Whitman believes that women are not inferior to men. More so, taking into account the works written by Whitman, it can be perceived that his poetry more often than not functions as an ode to women, as they are channels of life itself. Whitman balances the essence of both man and woman. In the poem….....

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