Leaves of Grass · Chapter
Small the Theme of My Chant explained
The poet declares that his theme is the individual self, yet the greatest, and sings of the complete human form, both male and female, and the collective 'En-Masse,' acknowledging the recent war and inviting the reader to join him on a jour
What happens
The poet declares that his theme is the individual self, yet the greatest, and sings of the complete human form, both male and female, and the collective 'En-Masse,' acknowledging the recent war and inviting the reader to join him on a journey.
Themes in this chapter
Individuality and Self
The theme of 'One's-Self—a simple, separate person' is central, emphasizing the individual as the greatest subject.
Democracy and Equality
The poet sings 'the Female equally with the Male' and speaks 'the word En-Masse,' reflecting democratic and egalitarian ideals.
Unity of Soul and Body
The poet insists on singing 'Man's physiology complete' and 'the Form complete,' rejecting a split between body and soul.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Small the theme of my Chant, yet the greatest—namely, One's-Self—a simple, separate person.”
My song's subject may seem small, but it is the greatest: the individual self, a simple and distinct person.
The poet establishes the paradox of the individual as both humble and supreme.
“The Female equally with the Male, I sing.”
I sing of women as equals to men.
A declaration of gender equality within the poet's vision.
“I speak the word of the modern, the word En-Masse.”
I proclaim the modern concept of the collective, the people as a whole.
The poet balances individualism with a call to unity and democracy.