# The Miracle of the Common explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## What happens

In this chapter, the narrator celebrates the inherent divinity and perfection of all natural things, from a leaf of grass to a mouse, asserting that every element of the universe is equally miraculous. He declares his own incorporation of the earth's materials and his ability to overcome any obstacle or distance in nature.

## Themes in this chapter

### Celebration of Nature and the Universe

The chapter exalts the equality and perfection of all natural objects, from a leaf of grass to a mouse, as miracles that surpass human creations.

### Individuality and Self

The narrator asserts his own identity as an integral part of the natural world, incorporating its elements and overcoming all barriers.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The narrator expresses a profound unity with nature, claiming to incorporate elements like gneiss, coal, and moss, and to be stuccoed with quadrupeds and birds.

## Key lines

> I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars

I hold that a simple blade of grass is as significant as the labor of the stars.

_This line establishes the theme of universal equality and the miraculous nature of the mundane._

> And a mouse is miracle enough to stagger sextillions of infidels.

Even a mouse is such a wonder that it could shake the disbelief of countless skeptics.

_Whitman emphasizes that even the smallest creature holds immense, awe-inspiring power._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/31
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters