# Old Salt Kossabone explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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