# A Backward Glance O'er Travel'd Roads explained — Leaves of Grass > Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. ## What happens Whitman reflects on the creation and reception of 'Leaves of Grass,' asserting its deep roots in democratic America and the latter half of the 19th century. He defends his experimental, personality-driven approach against conventional literary standards, acknowledges public criticism and official opposition, and expresses contentment that his work has found a hearing. He concludes by invoking Herder's idea that great poetry springs from national spirit, and that the strongest songs remain to be sung. ## Themes in this chapter ### Individuality and Self Whitman emphasizes the articulation of his own 'Physical, emotional, moral, intellectual, and aesthetic Personality' as the core of his work. ### America and Its People The chapter argues that 'Leaves of Grass' could only have emerged from democratic America, and that the nation needs its own distinct singers. ### The Poet as Prophet and Unifier Whitman sees the poet's role as expressing the national spirit and providing a unifying voice for the future. ## Character check-ins ### Narrator The reflective voice looking back over the journey of creating 'Leaves of Grass'. ### Walt Whitman The author, speaking in first person about his intentions, struggles, and the experimental nature of his work. ### America The United States is presented as the essential soil and subject for a new, autochthonous poetry. ### Democracy Democracy is cited as a fundamental presupposition and theme that shapes the poetry of 'Leaves of Grass'. ## Key lines > I know very well that my Leaves could not possibly have emerged or been fashion'd or completed, from any other era than the latter half of the nineteenth century, nor any other land than democratic America, and from the absolute triumph of the National Union arms. Whitman asserts that 'Leaves of Grass' is a product of its specific time and place: post-Civil War democratic America. _Highlights the historical and national contingency of his poetry._ > I consider Leaves of Grass and its theory experimental—as, in the deepest sense, I consider our American republic itself to be, with its theory. Whitman views both his book and the American republic as ongoing experiments, not fixed or final achievements. _Connects the poetic project to the political project of the United States._ > That I have not gain'd the acceptance of my own time, but have fallen back on fond dreams of the future—anticipations— Whitman acknowledges that his work was not accepted by his contemporaries and that he relies on hope for future recognition. _Reflects his awareness of his marginal status and his faith in posterity._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/a-backward-glance-o-er-travel-d-roads - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters