Spontaneous Me !

Rosie Charles
AP ENG III
Spontaneous Me by Walt Whitman



Walt Whitman was known as the most famous American poet in the 19th century. Born May 31st of 1819, Whitman was also a man of many works. Not only was he an extraordinary writer/poet, he knew the trade of printing, was a teacher, and founder of the weekly newspaper Long-Islander. Walt Whitman is best known for his literature called Leaves of Grass. But the poem titled Spontaneous Me is what caught my eye. In this specific poem, I believe Whitman was at his best. It was deep in every which way. The most abrupt way is in the use of pathos that stems from the rhetoric triangle.


This poem reflects a man’s feelings. Whether sexual, sensual, or sensitive, Whitman has them expressed. One main point that stood out to me is the concept of imagery. With the help of Whitman’s expertise diction, the imagery literally comes to life. For example, “The hillside whiten'd with blossoms of the mountain ash,”. In this quote, reader’s can visualize a mountain draped with shades of white.


“The hairy wild-bee that murmurs and hankers up and down, that gripes the full-grown lady-flower, curves upon her with amorous firm legs, takes his will of her, and holds himself tremulous and tight till he is satisfied;”. This quote is a prime example of the figurative language used in Whitman’s wondrous poem. Also in this quote is a hidden meaning. The bee represents a man, while the flower represents a woman. I believe that the rest of the quote represents the sexual relationship between man and woman, or better yet, between him and his wife. This quote also reflects upon the story of the birds and the bees, ironically.


To conclude, Whitman is a great writer who has no fear to say what is on his mind, but in a writer’s fashion. I believe the purpose of this poem is to show the feeling of a man, and how men want what they want. Whether it is sex wise, or child wise.