Walt Whitman Reflection Blog

I really liked reading “Exelsior” because it showed self confidence throughout the entire poem, and did show modernism through its writing style and message. I found that Whitman was probably trying to get his readers’ attention by saying the regardless of what you are going through, if you keep trying, you’ll make it through and eventually succeed, if you just keep trying. I found that message quite interesting because I can apply that to my life and how I would like to live it, however, given the circumstances, I cannot exactly succeed in everything I do.

Trying to excel at everything is something I strive to do in track. Although I talk about track a lot, that is just because it is a major part of my life. Walt Whitman is talking about how he is the most just, gone the farthest, been the most cautious, most happiest, lavished all, firmest, proudest, bold and true, benevolent, projected beautiful words through the longest time, received the love of the most friends, possesses a perfect and enamored body, has the amplest thoughts, and who has made hymns fit for the whole earth. Those qualities right there show that this character, whether it be Walt Whitman or not, is extremely self confident as well as somewhat cocky, which can be seen as a good thing at times. The character just basically believes in himself and what he himself can do as an individual, and no one else matters. Although that does sound conceited, it is a true statement someone will live by, as showed here. Whitman knows exactly who he is, what he has accomplished, and he makes sure everyone knows it. I personally find that entertaining as well as refreshing that someone else has a similar mind and outlook to life and everything of that nature.

Self confidence is something I have struggled with throughout my high school career. I hope that by reading this poem and being able to take in its real message and all of that, I can try to work on my self confidence and be a better person, just by being confident. Although it will not be noticeable right away, I can use what Whitman has said to better myself and try to have a better attitude about life. Instead of a negative, I can’t do this attitude; I will instead have one that will make others around me more positive and wanting to change their outlook on things as well. However, that might not work either, but one can only hope.

I found that this poem was quite interesting to read, as well as thought provoking. I was able to think more about what Walt Whitman was trying to get across to his readers and how I in turn can apply that to my life and make myself have a more positive attitude. I liked Whitman’s writing style, and did find this an entertaining read. Plus, the message actually made sense to me and I was actually able to relate to what was going on and how the reader seems to be feeling. That is just my opinion on the poem, however, and thinks it would make a very inspirational song that if turned into a church hymn or something would be quite motivating. That just might have been Whitman’s goal all along by writing this poem: to get his readers motivated and inspired.