Many of the major themes introduced in "Song of Myself" are used later in Whitman's career. ... For instance, take this passage from "Song of Myself". ... This poem was written ten years after the more arrogant "Song of myself". ... The idea of death is constant in this poem, yet unlike "Song of Myself", death is looked at as tragic. The manner in which Whitman deals with death in "Lilacs" indicates how deeply depressed he is since the war and the president's assassination. ...

• Word Count: 1476
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

That's why Dunbar "[knows] why the the caged bird sings" (15) even while in complete pain, the bird continues its song and shake the bars, because "he would be free; It is not a carol of joy or glee, But a prayer...But a plea" (17-20). ... " (21), and he, himself, will pick up singing the song (all the while wearing a mask). ... We are given a peak into what they have gone through, and how white people have destroyed their lives and has made the mother into such a distraught and depressed woman, yet she still pushes and carries on for her daughter, just like any ...

• Word Count: 1871
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate