Leaves of Grass · Chapter
Mannahatta explained
The speaker celebrates the city of Mannahatta (Manhattan) by invoking its original Native American name and painting a vivid portrait of its bustling streets, diverse people, natural setting, and dynamic energy.
What happens
The speaker celebrates the city of Mannahatta (Manhattan) by invoking its original Native American name and painting a vivid portrait of its bustling streets, diverse people, natural setting, and dynamic energy. The poem is a love letter to the city, emphasizing its physical and social richness.
Themes in this chapter
America and Its People
The poem is a celebration of New York City as a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic American metropolis, focusing on its people, commerce, and natural beauty.
Celebration of Nature and the Universe
The city is depicted as nested in bays, with tides, sea-currents, islands, and skies, blending urban life with the natural world.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“I was asking for something specific and perfect for my city, Whereupon lo! upsprang the aboriginal name.”
I was seeking a unique and ideal identity for my city, and suddenly the original Native American name appeared.
The speaker finds the perfect name for the city in its indigenous roots.
“Immigrants arriving, fifteen or twenty thousand in a week”
Thousands of immigrants arrive each week, contributing to the city's growth and diversity.
Highlights the massive scale of immigration to New York in the 19th century.
“A million people—manners free and superb—open voices—hospitality—the most courageous and friendly young men”
A million inhabitants with free and excellent manners, open expressions, hospitality, and exceptionally brave and friendly young men.
Celebrates the character and spirit of the city's population.