# That Shadow My Likeness explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on the difference between his outward, worldly self—the shadow that seeks a livelihood and chatters—and his true self, which is revealed among lovers and in song. He questions the reality of the former but never doubts the authenticity of the latter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Individuality and Self

The poem explores the duality of the self—the superficial, social persona versus the deeper, authentic identity found in intimate connection and creative expression.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The speaker who observes his own shadow self and affirms his true identity through love and song.

## Key lines

> That shadow my likeness that goes to and fro seeking a livelihood, chattering, chaffering, How often I find myself standing and looking at it where it flits, How often I question and doubt whether that is really me; But among my lovers and caroling these songs, O I never doubt whether that is really me.

The outward version of myself that hustles and talks in the world often makes me wonder if that is who I truly am. Yet when I am with those I love and singing my songs, I have no doubt that this is my real self.

_The narrator distinguishes between the mundane, social self and the authentic self revealed in love and art._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/that-shadow-my-likeness
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters