Sexuality Concerning Homosexual Standpoints in Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself”

This literary study analyzes the poem “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman using formalistic theory and archetypal theory. This aims at finding the sexuality concerning homosexual standpoints in the text. This research uses the qualitative method of discourse analysis. The textual investigation is underpinned with related literature and studies. The study shows that the symbolic archetypes in Walt Whitman’s poem are filled with emblems and motifs which are enamored and erogenous; the poetic images depict same-sex copulation and eroticism, the tone-diction transaction delineates the language of the homosexual individuals, and the symbolic transaction of the persona and the addressee embosoms essential affinity which then evokes poetic vision. It is also found out that the poem has symbolic signification regarding the human body part, nature, action, set, and color. The study, in addition, it shows kinaesthetic, tactile, and gustatory sensations. The investigation further unveils slang and vulgar diction which provokes an informal and amorous tone. Finally, the poem discloses a
homosexual persona; its theme is addressed to gay men. In conclusion, it has been proven that Walt Whitman’s poem reveals sexuality concerning homosexual standpoints of the symbolic archetype, poetic imagery, tone-diction connection, and symbolic transaction of the persona and the addressee. The result hedges to inform educators and literature major students concerning the practicability of analyzing the sexuality concerning homosexual standpoints in poetry. Also, the result of this qualitative research is hoped to give a noteworthy contribution to the critics and researchers in the field of literary and gender
studies.

Keywords –Walt Whitman, sexuality, homosexual standpoints, poetry