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Leaves of Grass · Chapter

Flaunt of the Sunshine explained

The narrator asserts a profound, unconditional giving of self that transcends surface appearances, embracing all people from the lowliest to the dying with irresistible love and life-giving force.

What happens

The narrator asserts a profound, unconditional giving of self that transcends surface appearances, embracing all people from the lowliest to the dying with irresistible love and life-giving force.

Themes in this chapter

  • Individuality and Self

    The narrator gives not lectures or charity but his very self, asserting an inviolable personal presence.

  • Comradeship and Love

    Embraces the cotton-field drudge and the despairing, offering a family kiss and a neck to hang upon.

Characters to notice

  • Narrator

    Proclaims the giving of self, compels and bestows upon all, refuses to deny anyone.

  • Death

    Confronted and overcome by the narrator's resistless will and embrace.

Key passages

  • “Behold, I do not give lectures or a little charity, When I give I give myself.”

    I offer not mere words or small kindnesses, but my entire being.

    Emphasizes total self-donation over superficial acts.

  • “I seize the descending man and raise him with resistless will, O despairer, here is my neck, By God, you shall not go down! hang your whole weight upon me.”

    I catch the falling person and lift them up, offering my own strength so they will not succumb.

    Depicts a powerful, life-saving intervention against death.

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Leaves of Grass — Flaunt of the Sunshine Explained