# Old Chants explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the ancient songs and poets that have preceded and influenced America, acknowledging the debt the New World owes to old poems and traditions. It envisions America entering the stage of history, prepared by and blending with the music of past civilizations and literary giants.

## Themes in this chapter

### America and Its People

America is portrayed as the heir to ancient poetic traditions, entering the stage of history prepared by them.

### The Poet as Prophet and Unifier

The chapter emphasizes the role of ancient poets and bards in shaping and unifying cultural heritage.

## Character check-ins

### America

Addressed as the inheritor and culmination of ancient poetic traditions.

### Narrator

The voice musing on the ancient songs and addressing America.

### Shakespeare

Listed among the great poets whose works are part of the old chants.

### Homer

Referenced through the Iliad and Odyssey as foundational epics.

### Walter Scott

Mentioned as a poet in the lineage of old chants.

## Key lines

> Of many debts incalculable, Haply our New World’s chieftest debt is to old poems.

Among countless debts, perhaps the New World's greatest debt is to ancient poetry.

_Acknowledges the foundational influence of old poems on America._

> Thou! with as now thy bending neck and head, with courteous hand and word, ascending, Thou! pausing a moment, drooping thine eyes upon them, blent with their music, Well pleased, accepting all, curiously prepared for by them, Thou enterest at thy entrance porch.

You, America, bowing gracefully and pausing to look upon these ancient poets, blending with their music, pleased and prepared by them, now enter at the threshold of your own story.

_Describes America's respectful and harmonious entry into the legacy of world poetry._

## Links

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