2.1 - Introduction

Introduction- Song of The Open Road

Song of the open road is a poem by Walt Whitman. It is taken from the collection "Leaves of Grass". It is written in 1856. Walt Whitman strongly advocated importance of democracy & Freedom. The poem ‘Song of the Open Road’ is written in the free verse and is in the form of a monologue by the poet. The poet intends to express his open thoughts over journey of life taken on different roads.  The unrhymed and varying length of lines shows the complexities and the ups and downs one faces in his /her life. It also indicates the poet’s inner desire to enjoy life to its fullest without bothering about the tensions and worries. 

It is an inspirational poem written in the form of narration. This poem is an Ode to one’s self.

Poet: Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist and journalist. He is often called the father of free verse. He was born on Long Island in 1819 and grew up in the New York area. He had very little formal schooling, but he considered himself to be a lifelong learner. Whitman died at the age of 72 after suffering stroke in 1892. His poem 'O' Captain, My Captain' and his poetry collection 'Leaves of Grass' are his remarkable literary works