# As Adam Early in the Morning explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## What happens

The speaker presents himself as a fresh, awakened Adam, inviting intimate physical connection and urging the listener not to fear the body.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sexuality and the Body

The poem celebrates the body and physical touch, urging the listener not to be afraid.

### Individuality and Self

The speaker asserts his own presence and identity as Adam, a fresh and individual self.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The speaker presents himself as Adam, fresh from sleep, inviting touch.

### Adam

The speaker identifies with Adam, the first man, emerging from the bower.

## Key lines

> As Adam early in the morning, Walking forth from the bower refresh’d with sleep, Behold me where I pass, hear my voice, approach, Touch me, touch the palm of your hand to my body as I pass, Be not afraid of my body.

Like Adam at dawn, stepping out of a leafy shelter after rest, see me, listen, come close, and place your hand on my body as I go by—do not fear my physical form.

_The speaker invites intimate contact and reassures the listener that the body is not to be feared._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/as-adam-early-in-the-morning
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters