In "Song of Myself," Walt Whitman uses the symbol
of grass to show how everything in life is connected and equal. He compares
grass to a flag, showing that just like how each blade of grass is equal, so
are all people in the eyes of nature. Grass represents unity among individuals,
no matter their differences.
Grass also symbolizes vitality and resilience. Whitman
admires how grass grows in tough conditions, showing the strength of nature.
This reflects how people can overcome challenges and keep going, just like
grass does.
Moreover, grass embodies democracy in Whitman's eyes. He sees
it as a symbol of equality, growing freely in all places without
discrimination. Grass doesn't care about borders or boundaries; it grows
everywhere, representing the democratic ideals of freedom and equality that
Whitman believes in.
Additionally, grass represents the cycle of life and death.
Whitman talks about a child asking about grass, showing the mystery of life's
cycle. Grass grows, dies, and grows again, just like humans experience birth,
growth, death, and rebirth.
Overall, grass in "Song of Myself" has many meanings. It shows how everything is connected, the strength of life, democratic ideals of equality, and the eternal cycle of existence. Whitman uses this symbol to celebrate the unity of all living beings, the resilience of people, the importance of democracy, and the natural rhythm of life and death.