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Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" |
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I celebrate and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as
good as belongs to you... |
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image from http://jefferson.village.virginia.edu/whitman/gallery |
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Dear class,
Today you are going to interact with Whitman's poem on a deeper level than normal class discussion, crafting your own "Song of Myself," which will then be discussed in an online workshop format with myself and your peers. Your writing should go through several drafts, and I will grade your writing process and online participation, as well as your final product. |
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image from http://bailiwick.lib.uiowa.edu/whitman |
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I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love,
If you want me again look for me under your bootsoles...
Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged,
Missing me one place search another,
I stop somewhere waiting for you. |
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Click here to see the first version of Leaves of Grass, published in 1855. Whitman spent the rest of his life revising and adding to it, rather than writing new books of poetry. "Song of Myself" is the first (and longest :o) ) poem in the book. Skim over the whole thing. Appreciate the scope and enormity of his vision. Notice in "Song of Myself," found on pages 13-56, the long lists that he uses to demonstrate how many people, objects, places he feels are an integral part of American and himself. Take a look copies of the first edition and the manuscripts. Try to find something that speaks to you. If you feel overwhelmed, focus on the first few pages or the last few pages. Skip the long lists. |
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Click on the baby face to receive your mission, which you must accept unless you come up with a creative alternative that I approve! |
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Site built and maintained by Emily Hodge, [email protected]
Last modified December 2, 2003 |
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