# A Call in the Midst of the Crowd explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## What happens

The narrator asserts a universal call, embracing the crowd as his own children and intimates. He reflects on the eternal cycles of life, the mundane realities of existence, and the shared humanity that binds all people. The chapter questions the superficiality of routine and possessions, urging a deeper connection to the self and others beyond printed books, photographs, and material goods.

## Themes in this chapter

### Individuality and Self

The narrator celebrates his own egotism and omnivorous lines, while acknowledging the same thoughts and deathless quality in every individual.

### Comradeship and Love

The call to 'Come my children' and the emphasis on household, intimates, and neighbors highlight a deep sense of comradeship and love.

### America and Its People

The city and its citizens, the mention of the mayor, councils, banks, and the diverse populace, underscore the theme of America and its people.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The narrator speaks as a unifying voice, calling out to the crowd and asserting his connection to all people.

### America

The city and its citizens represent America, with the narrator identifying as one of them, sharing interests in politics, markets, and daily life.

### Democracy

The chapter embodies democratic ideals through the narrator's acknowledgment of the duplicates of himself and the deathless connection with the weakest and shallowest.

### Death

Death is referenced through the imagery of trestles, bandages under the chin, and dimes on the eyes, symbolizing mortality.

## Key lines

> A call in the midst of the crowd, My own voice, orotund sweeping and final. Come my children, Come my boys and girls, my women, household and intimates.

The narrator's voice rises above the crowd, summoning everyone—children, women, and close ones—to gather.

_This opening establishes the narrator as a prophetic, unifying figure._

> Ever the hard unsunk ground, Ever the eaters and drinkers, ever the upward and downward sun, ever the air and the ceaseless tides, Ever myself and my neighbors, refreshing, wicked, real.

The eternal cycles of nature and human life continue: the solid earth, people eating and drinking, the sun's path, the air and tides, and the narrator alongside his neighbors, all flawed and authentic.

_This passage emphasizes the constancy and reality of existence._

> This printed and bound book—but the printer and the printing-office boy? The well-taken photographs—but your wife or friend close and solid in your arms?

The narrator questions the value of material objects like books and photographs compared to the living, tangible presence of people.

_This challenges the reader to prioritize human connection over artifacts._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/42
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters