Poem Analysis - Scented Herbage Of My Breast

Introduction: A Celebration of Death and Love

Walt Whitman's "Scented Herbage of My Breast" is a deeply personal and introspective poem that explores the complex relationship between life, death, and love. The poem begins with an almost celebratory tone, as the speaker addresses the "herbage" growing from his breast, seen as symbolic expressions of his inner self. However, a melancholic undercurrent quickly emerges, as the poem delves into the intertwined nature of beauty and suffering, and ultimately culminates in an embrace of death as a profound and enduring reality. This embrace is not one of despair, but of acceptance and understanding.

The Paradox of Beauty and Suffering

One of the central themes of the poem is the paradoxical relationship between beauty and suffering. The "leaves" and "blossoms" that spring from the speaker's breast, which represent his thoughts and emotions, are described as both "very beautiful" and "more bitter than I can bear." This duality suggests that the most profound experiences, the ones that truly define us, are often those that are tinged with pain. The poem argues that the beauty of life is inextricably linked to the awareness of its transience and the inevitability of death. The speaker readily admits that these internal revelations sting and burn him, yet still admires their inherent beauty.

Death as the Ultimate Fulfillment

Mortality is not simply a backdrop for the speaker’s reflections; it becomes the focal point of the poem. The poem suggests that life is merely a prelude to death, and that death is not an end, but a fulfillment. The lines, "what indeed is finally beautiful, except Death and Love?" encapsulate this sentiment. The speaker comes to see death as the essential "purport," the underlying meaning that life's "shifting forms" only partially reveal. This is not a morbid fascination but a recognition that death offers a perspective and a truth that life cannot provide. The "leaves" are initially presented as symbols of life, but later they become synonymous with Death. The speaker's soul begins to prefer death because of the peace and solemnity it seems to offer.

Unveiling the Concealed Heart: The Symbolism of the Herbage

The "scented herbage" and "leaves" serve as a powerful symbol of the speaker's innermost thoughts and emotions. They are not merely superficial expressions but are deeply rooted in the "conceal'd heart." Initially, the speaker is hesitant to reveal these hidden depths, urging the "timid leaves" not to remain "down there so ashamed." However, as the poem progresses, he becomes determined to "unbare this broad breast," to expose his true self, even if it means confronting painful truths. The herbage, therefore, represents the speaker's journey towards self-acceptance and authenticity. This includes accepting his attraction to death, which also seems to symbolize his homosexuality, which during this period was a shameful thing to reveal. The roots and the "pink-tinged roots" of the herbage also symbolize the life force that is rooted in death. Death and Love are forever intertwined and the speaker accepts this notion.

The Call to Comrades: A Legacy of Exhilarating Death

Towards the end, the speaker shifts from personal reflection to a call for collective action. He declares, "I will sound myself and comrades only—I will never again utter a call, only their call," indicating a desire to connect with like-minded individuals and to leave a lasting legacy. He seeks to "give an example to lovers, to take permanent shape and will through The States," suggesting a desire to inspire others to embrace their own truths, even if those truths lead to a confrontation with mortality. The poem ends with a bold declaration that he will "make death exhilarating," transforming it from a source of fear into a source of inspiration. In a way, the speaker is not simply accepting death, but is trying to change the way death is viewed.

Conclusion: An Enduring Vision of Love and Death

"Scented Herbage of My Breast" is a profound exploration of the complex relationship between life, death, and love. Through vivid imagery and introspective reflection, Walt Whitman crafts a poem that challenges conventional notions of beauty and suffering. The poem's ultimate message is one of acceptance and understanding, urging readers to embrace the totality of human experience, including the inevitability of death. It suggests that by confronting our mortality, we can gain a deeper appreciation for life and find a sense of peace and fulfillment. Whitman encourages his readers to face death, which lasts a very long time, and to learn from it.