Leaves of Grass · Chapter
The United States to Old World Critics explained
The chapter presents the United States asserting its own identity and priorities to Old World critics, emphasizing the concrete duties of the present—wealth, order, travel, shelter, and plenty—as the foundation for a vast, perpetual edifice
What happens
The chapter presents the United States asserting its own identity and priorities to Old World critics, emphasizing the concrete duties of the present—wealth, order, travel, shelter, and plenty—as the foundation for a vast, perpetual edifice that will eventually reach toward the stars.
Themes in this chapter
America and Its People
The United States is portrayed as a nation building its own destiny, focused on concrete duties and material progress, in defiance of Old World critics.
Characters to notice
- America
The United States speaks directly to Old World critics, defending its focus on practical, material foundations.
Key passages
“Here first the duties of to-day, the lessons of the concrete, Wealth, order, travel, shelter, products, plenty; As of the building of some varied, vast, perpetual edifice, Whence to arise inevitable in time, the towering roofs, the lamps, The solid-planted spires tall shooting to the stars.”
The United States prioritizes the practical tasks of the present—wealth, order, travel, shelter, and abundance—like constructing a diverse, immense, and enduring structure from which, inevitably, lofty roofs, lamps, and firmly rooted spires will rise to the stars.
The chapter defends America's focus on material and concrete foundations as necessary steps toward future greatness.