The Poet as Universal Equalizer explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Poet as Prophet and Unifier

  The narrator positions himself as a new kind of prophet who outbids old gods and elevates everyday people and objects to divine status.

• Individuality and Self

  The narrator asserts his own creative power and self-measurement, claiming to become a supreme being through his own agency.

• Democracy and Equality

  All gods, idols, and common people are valued equally; a mechanic's wife and a hostler are as worthy as ancient deities.

Characters to notice

• Narrator

  Proclaims himself a healer and a creator, outbidding ancient gods and finding divinity in common life.

• Hercules

  Listed as a grandson of Kronos and Zeus, part of the pantheon the narrator measures and surpasses.

• America

  Implied through the depiction of American laborers, firemen, mechanics, and hostlers as equal to ancient gods.

Key passages

• “I am he bringing help for the sick as they pant on their backs, And for strong upright men I bring yet more needed help.”

  I am the one who aids the sick and provides even greater assistance to the healthy and strong.

  The narrator declares his role as a universal healer.

• “Outbidding at the start the old cautious hucksters, Taking myself the exact dimensions of Jehovah, Lithographing Kronos, Zeus his son, and Hercules his grandson.”

  I surpass the ancient traders of belief, measuring God and cataloging the old gods as if they were mere images.

  The narrator asserts his superiority over traditional deities.

• “Putting higher claims for him there with his roll'd-up sleeves driving the mallet and chisel, Not objecting to special revelations, considering a curl of smoke or a hair on the back of my hand just as curious as any revelation.”

  I honor the working man with his tools, and I find as much wonder in a wisp of smoke or a hair as in any divine message.

  Everyday life and labor are elevated to the level of sacred revelation.