Leaves of Grass · Chapter
What Am I After All explained
The speaker reflects on the simple, childlike pleasure of hearing and repeating one's own name, suggesting that identity is found in the sound and affirmation of the self, and that others share this same fundamental joy.
What happens
The speaker reflects on the simple, childlike pleasure of hearing and repeating one's own name, suggesting that identity is found in the sound and affirmation of the self, and that others share this same fundamental joy.
Themes in this chapter
Individuality and Self
The poem celebrates the personal joy and affirmation found in one's own name and identity.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
The speaker revels in the sound of his own name, likening himself to a child.
Key passages
“What am I after all but a child, pleas’d with the sound of my own name? repeating it over and over; I stand apart to hear—it never tires me.”
I am essentially like a child who delights in hearing and repeating his own name, finding endless pleasure in it.
The speaker equates self-awareness with innocent, joyful repetition of identity.
“To you your name also; Did you think there was nothing but two or three pronunciations in the sound of your name?”
Your own name holds the same depth and delight for you; did you imagine it was merely a few sounds?
The speaker extends the reflection to the reader, implying that everyone's name carries profound personal meaning.