Poem Analysis - As Adam Early In The Morning

A Fresh and Audacious Beginning

Walt Whitman's "As Adam, Early in the Morning" is a brief but powerful invitation to embrace the physical world and overcome any fear of the human body. The poem possesses a tone of gentle authority, a calm assurance in the inherent goodness of physical existence. It begins with a pastoral image of innocence and ends with a direct, almost challenging, invitation. The mood is one of tranquility and confidence, urging the reader towards acceptance and connection.

Embracing the Body: A Central Theme

The central theme of this poem is the acceptance and celebration of the human body. Whitman develops this theme by invoking the image of Adam, the first man, stepping forth from the Garden of Eden refreshed and innocent. This connection to the biblical narrative positions the body as something inherently good, a source of pleasure and connection rather than shame or sin. The use of direct commands—"Behold me," "hear my voice," "approach," "Touch me"—emphasizes the importance of physical interaction and the overcoming of any fear or hesitation towards it.

Innocence and Invitation: Imagery of Connection

The poem is rich in imagery designed to evoke a sense of pristine innocence and open invitation. The reference to "Adam, early in the morning, / Walking forth from the bower, refresh’d with sleep" paints a picture of unspoiled creation and natural beauty. This Edenic imagery suggests a state of pre- Fall innocence, where the body is not a source of shame or temptation, but a vessel of pure experience. The repeated emphasis on physical touch—"Touch me—touch the palm of your hand to my Body"—underscores the importance of direct, unmediated connection with the physical world and with other human beings. The line "Be not afraid of my Body" is a direct challenge to societal and personal anxieties surrounding the body, urging the reader to overcome these fears and embrace physical existence without reservation.

Adam as Symbol: Original Innocence

Adam serves as a powerful symbol in this poem, representing humanity in its original, uncorrupted state. By comparing himself to Adam, Whitman suggests that the speaker embodies this same sense of innocence and openness to experience. The image of Adam "walking forth from the bower" symbolizes a new beginning, a fresh perspective on the body and its potential for connection. The "bower," often associated with privacy and intimacy, hints at the potential for deep and meaningful relationships rooted in physical presence and acceptance.

A Call to Embodied Existence

In conclusion, "As Adam, Early in the Morning" is a profound statement about the importance of embracing the physical world and overcoming societal fears surrounding the human body. Through vivid imagery and a confident tone, Whitman invites the reader to connect with the speaker on a physical level, suggesting that true connection and understanding are rooted in a willingness to touch and be touched. The poem's significance lies in its bold affirmation of the body as a source of joy, connection, and ultimately, a path towards a more fulfilling and authentic existence.