The Grass as a Symbol of Hope and Creation - Essay Example

11 November The Grass as a Symbol of Hope and Creation Through his poem Song of Myself, Walt Whitman explores his idea of the “self” in relation to diverse themes. I want to particularly focus on the religious theme of this poem. When Whitman defines what a grass is for a child, he describes it in ways that turn grass into a powerful religious symbol. What I liked most in his definition is when he says that the grass is made of “hopeful green stuff woven” and “the handkerchief of the Lord” (Whitman stanza 6).

The grass is made of “hopeful green stuff woven” (Whitman stanza 6). This definition underscores that the universal existence of the grass makes it a perfect symbol for hope. It is “woven,” because hope consists of different dimensions, including love, tenderness, and consistence, among others. “green” becomes something that people can feel, because IF hope is felt, green can also be felt. I can feel hope indeed when I breathe in the greeneries of my surroundings. Green makes me feel warm and hopeful.

In addition, the grass can also be seen as “the handkerchief of the Lord” (Whitman stanza 6). I agree with this definition too, because since grass is everywhere, it asserts Gods omnipresence. And because grass is simple and natural, it stands for Gods love too: His love is uncomplicated and simply permanent. Whitman indicates that simplicity underlies lifes complexities and it can be explained by defining what a grass is. His definition of the grass also defines Gods love and hope. Gods love and hope can be encapsulated in the grasss essence.

They survive anywhere and naturally spread life with their green and simple structure. Grass is love and hope. Work Cited Whitman, Walt. Song of Myself.