# Chapter 51 explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## What happens

The speaker reflects on having filled and emptied the past and present, now turning to the future. He invites a listener to confide in him honestly, acknowledges his own contradictions as a sign of containing multitudes, and calls for a companion to walk with him before time runs out.

## Themes in this chapter

### Individuality and Self

The speaker asserts his large, multitudinous self, embracing contradictions as part of his identity.

### Comradeship and Love

The invitation to walk together and the intimate call for a confidant reflect a desire for companionship.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The speaker who has filled and emptied the past and present, now turning to the future and inviting a listener.

### Allons

Implied as the one invited to walk with the speaker, echoing the open road journey.

## Key lines

> Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)

If I seem inconsistent, so be it; I am vast and encompass many aspects.

_The speaker embraces his own contradictions as a sign of his expansive nature._

> Who wishes to walk with me? Will you speak before I am gone? will you prove already too late?

Who wants to join me on this journey? Speak now before I leave, or you may miss your chance.

_A call for a companion to join the speaker on the open road before time runs out._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/51
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters