# How Solemn as One by One explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## What happens

In Washington City, 1865, the narrator observes the returning soldiers, weary and masked, and reflects on the indestructible soul that lies behind each face, untouched by bullets or bayonets.

## Themes in this chapter

### Unity of Soul and Body

The poem emphasizes the soul's permanence and invulnerability behind the physical mask of the body.

### Death and Immortality

The soul survives bullets and bayonets, affirming an immortal essence beyond physical harm.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

Observes the returning soldiers and addresses the reader directly.

### America

Implied setting of Washington City and the returning ranks.

## Key lines

> How solemn as one by one, As the ranks returning worn and sweaty, as the men file by where I stand

It is deeply serious as the tired soldiers pass by me one after another.

_Sets the scene of solemn observation of war-weary troops._

> I see behind each mask that wonder a kindred soul, O the bullet could never kill what you really are, dear friend

I perceive the true, shared soul behind each face, which no weapon can destroy.

_Affirms the indestructible nature of the soul._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/how-solemn-as-one-by-one
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters