Whitmans Democracy :: essays research papers

Whitmans Democracy"I speak the pass-word primeval, I give the sign of democracy,By God I testament Accept nothing which all cannot have their counterpartof on the same terms."     This is Whitmans expression of the idea of democracy taken from "Songof Myself." In this all comprehend interpretation Whitman says that thefreedom offered by democracy is for all not a chosen few. It included all people,not renouncing those of other races, creeds, or social standings. Examples ofthis acceptation are scattered through many of the poems Whitman wrote.     In his poem "To a Common Prostitute" Whitman wrote "Not till The sun invite outs you do I exclude you." He has accepted the women as a prostitute, butthis also conveys Whitmans ideas of democracy. The notion that all peopleshould be covered under the cover of freedom. The sun is utilise as a metaphor fordemocracy in this poem, as it should shine upon all equally.&n bsp    When Whitman discusses the "shunnd persons" in "Native Moments" he onceagain mimics the concepts of democracy with his words. He lets all know that heembraces the people that others have rejected, as democracy should embrace all.These people are part of America also, and should be accepted as such. asdemocracy should embrace all.     Whitman commends the many people of America in "I Hear America Singing."He writes of the mothers, and the carpenters. He says that they all sing their experience song of what belongs to them. In this poem Whitman brings these people fromall backgrounds together as Americans. In the freedom of American democracy