Number 52

Connotation: The word “loitering” means waiting which stresses the theme that Whitman is waiting for you to take the journey. He also says that “I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable” This creates a feeling that he is wild and nonconforming and is his one person because he took his journey of self discovery through nature. He also says “look for me under your boot-soles” which shows that Whitman is traveling with you on your journey willing to help along the way. “Sole” is also a pun for soul which shows that he is also guiding their souls like he is a part of them.

Attitude: His attitude is of hope and encouragement that you will take your journey of self-discovery throughout nature.

Shifts: He shifts his personal pronoun from “I” to show his personal journey to “You” which shows that he is talking to the reader and helping them along their journey. In the beginning it talks about a hawk swoops in from the top of the universe and makes sure the wanderer is continuing their journey. This hawk brings the scene from the sky and the universe down to earth and the wanderer’s journey.

Theme: Walt Whitman is saying that one must live life to the fullest and achieve all that one can.