Poem Analysis - Excelsior

A Celebration of Self: Whitman's Audacious Claims

Walt Whitman's "Excelsior" is a bold and exuberant declaration of self-confidence and ambition. The poem pulses with a fervent energy, showcasing the speaker's desire to surpass all others in various aspects of life. The tone is assertive and even boastful, yet also tinged with a sense of ecstatic joy and creative fervor. This poem isn't just about being the best; it's about the sheer delight in striving for excellence and embracing the potential of the self. The poem feels like a raw outpouring, a stream of consciousness driven by an unyielding will to achieve.

American Individualism and Transcendental Spirit

Whitman's work is deeply rooted in the American tradition of individualism and the transcendentalist movement. He champions the power of the individual and the importance of self-reliance. The relentless questioning and assertions within the poem reflect this emphasis on personal experience and the belief that each individual possesses the potential for greatness. Whitman sought to break free from societal constraints and celebrate the inherent worth and divinity of the individual, a concept central to transcendentalist thought. The poem’s boundless ambition resonates with the American dream of upward mobility and limitless possibility.

The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

A central theme in "Excelsior" is the speaker's relentless pursuit of excellence across multiple domains. The poem catalogs a series of qualities – justice, caution, happiness, generosity, firmness, pride, truth, benevolence, eloquence, love, physical perfection, intellect, and creativity – each framed by the question "who has been [quality]?" and the assertive response, "For I would be [quality]." The speaker doesn't merely aim to equal others; he strives to surpass them. This ambition is not driven by egotism alone but by a deep-seated belief in the potential of the self and a desire to embody the highest ideals. The poem becomes a testament to the power of human will and the relentless drive for self-improvement.

Embracing Embodiment and Sensory Experience

Another prominent theme is the celebration of the physical body and sensory experience. The speaker boasts about possessing "a perfect and enamour’d body," highlighting the importance of physical well-being and sensuality. This emphasis on the body aligns with Whitman's broader poetic project of embracing all aspects of human existence, rejecting the traditional mind-body dualism. He doesn't shy away from celebrating the physical self as an integral part of the overall human experience. This is further enhanced through the imagery of "brawny and tall-topt city" linking the self to a powerful, vibrant urban center, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the individual and the environment.

The Poet as Creator and Prophet

The final theme centers on the power of artistic creation, specifically the role of the poet as a creator of enduring words. The speaker asks, "And who has projected beautiful words through the longest time? Have I not outvied him? have I not said the words that shall stretch through longer time?" This question reveals the poet's ambition to create works of lasting significance. The line "For I am mad with devouring extasy to make joyous hymns for the whole earth!" powerfully conveys the passionate, almost divine inspiration that fuels his creative process. Whitman envisions himself as a prophet, spreading joy and inspiration through his verse, crafting hymns that resonate with all of humanity.

The "I" as a Symbol of Universal Humanity

The recurring use of "I" serves as a powerful symbol of the individual and, more broadly, humanity itself. While the speaker makes seemingly grandiose claims, this "I" is not intended to represent a singular, egotistical individual. Instead, it functions as a stand-in for the potential inherent in every person. By asserting his own greatness, the speaker implicitly encourages readers to recognize and embrace their own potential. The poem ultimately celebrates the power of self-belief and the boundless possibilities that lie within each individual. Does the poem's relentless focus on comparison ultimately undermine its message of individual worth, or does it serve as a necessary catalyst for personal growth?

A Testament to Limitless Potential

In conclusion, "Excelsior" is a vibrant and unapologetic expression of self-confidence and ambition. Through its relentless questioning and bold assertions, the poem celebrates the potential of the individual and the power of creative expression. Whitman's focus on physical embodiment, artistic creation, and the pursuit of excellence contributes to a broader vision of human flourishing. The poem serves as a powerful reminder that greatness is not an exclusive domain but a possibility within reach of everyone willing to embrace their potential and strive for the highest ideals. It stands as a testament to Whitman's unwavering belief in the inherent worth and boundless potential of the human spirit.