On Whitman's Leaves of Grass (1)

Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 12, 2007
Journal #1 Walt Whitman

I. Quote

“Houses and rooms are full of perfumes… the shelves are crowded with perfumes,
I breathe the fragrance myself, and know it and like it,
The distillation would intoxicate me also, but I shall not let it.

The atmosphere is not a perfume… it has not taste of the distillation… it is odorless,
It is for my mouth forever… I am in love with it,”

II. Summary

These few lines revolve around two major subjects: perfume and natural air. To understand what Whitman meant by “perfume” and “air”, I try to analyze it in terms of its context.

At the beginning of the poem, Whitman discussed about the celebration of self. It gives readers an impression that this poet was confident, or even conceited. Whatever the actual case is, it is apparent that Whitman had some ideas and thoughts, which were probably different from mainstream thinking at that time, and he were not ashamed or hesitant to make them known. This concept was generated mainly from the line “I lean and loafe at my ease.” Loafing was strongly discouraged at that time. Nevertheless, Whitman was not embarrassed to talk about loafing. He even mentioned it as if it was something normal or even great. The phrase “at my ease” was also contradictory with the fast societal pace. All these pointed to a conclusion that Whitman had his own life style and stream of thoughts, be them differed from the rest of the society.

When Whitman switched from talking about self, loafing and watching the summer grass to perfumes, I felt they were unrelated at first. Yet, understanding the differences between perfume and gas might help to gather evidence to understand the analogy.

Perfume is man-made and artificial. It is easily noticeable with its usually strong fragrance and there can be many different brands and styles. The smell is strong and is enticing. On the other hand, air is natural and “odorless”, as put by Whitman. It is around us all the time but we seldom notice or think about it. We seem to take it for granted.

Perfume may then be generalized to represent the material world, while the fresh air represents the nature. In the modern world, material things are surely enthralling compared with the nature. It may intoxicate people, making them indulged in a fast-paced lifestyle centered on money and fame and the pursuit of material living. Yet, Whitman made a break from this kind of living by saying that “The distillation would intoxicate me also, but I shall not let it” and “I lean and loafe at my ease”. He would not withdraw from his simple living style.

III. Response

My understanding of these few lines may not be the only analysis of it. It may not even be close to Whitman’s original meaning. Nevertheless, as Whitman has suggested, “Stop this day and night with me and you shall possess the origin of all poems.” Besides, he also advised that we should “no longer take things at second or third hand” and should “filter them from yourself.” I believe poems are significant not just for their literary value, but also in the meaning, or advice they offer to different people who may read it from various perspectives – their own perspectives.

I agree with Whitman that loafing at one’s own ease is beneficial to one’s soul. Loafing offers an opportunity for the mind to quiet, settle and filter all signals one has received from the world.

Besides, I also appreciate Whitman’s attitude of appreciating “perfumes” on one hand but be rational enough to prevent it from intoxicating oneself. Living in the materialistic world, it is not possible to withdraw totally from its lifestyle. The clever way is to be in it, but not to be dominated by it. I believe Whitman has shown us his attitude, and he was able to do so.