Leaves of Grass · Chapter
Old Salt Kossabone explained
The chapter recounts the death of Old Salt Kossabone, a retired sailor on the narrator's mother's side, who spent his final years watching ships from his window and died quietly after witnessing a brig finally catch the wind and sail free.
What happens
The chapter recounts the death of Old Salt Kossabone, a retired sailor on the narrator's mother's side, who spent his final years watching ships from his window and died quietly after witnessing a brig finally catch the wind and sail free.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Immortality
The chapter depicts a peaceful, natural death as Old Salt Kossabone passes away while observing the sea, suggesting a serene transition.
Celebration of Nature and the Universe
The sea and the ship's struggle against the tides are central, with nature's forces (wind, tides, darkness) framing the old sailor's final moments.
Characters to notice
- Old Salt Kossabone
The central figure, a nearly 90-year-old retired sailor who dies peacefully while watching ships from his armchair.
- Jenny
The married grandchild with whom Old Salt Kossabone lived; she discovers him dead in his chair.
- Narrator
The speaker who relates the story of Old Salt Kossabone, noting their familial connection on his mother's side.
Key passages
“She's free—she's on her destination”
The ship has finally escaped the difficult currents and is now sailing freely toward its intended port.
These are Old Salt Kossabone's last words, spoken as he watches a brig finally catch a favorable wind and round the cape.