How to Read the Poetry of Walt Whitman ('Song of Myself' Appreciation)

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 124

  • @jsmi601
    @jsmi601 11 місяців тому +60

    "I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, if you want me again look for me under your boot-soles" brought tears to my eyes. Quite stunning. Thank you for the intro!

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому +11

      I'm happy you found these lines so stunning, Jessica :) They're some of the most beautiful lines of poetry I have ever read!

    • @robertbruce2128
      @robertbruce2128 2 місяці тому

      Me, too! So poignant and yet uplifting. This is about as powerful as it gets. But I’m only up to verse 6.

  • @nazadocious
    @nazadocious 2 місяці тому +2

    I had never truly read Whitman until yesterday when I felt summoned by an ethereal force to look up his work. I've been immersed in Song of Myself for the last 24 hours -- I have wept and laughed, rinse repeat. It feels so deliberate and a blessing to have discovered this masterpiece at the age of 37.

  • @jeremylasley8602
    @jeremylasley8602 11 місяців тому +29

    Thank you for this! As an American, I take deep pride in Whitman and cherish my several copies of Leaves of Grass like sacred texts. The 1855 edition never leaves my bedside.

  • @TheSalMaris
    @TheSalMaris 11 місяців тому +13

    This Loafer wrote, edited, self published, and constantly revised a lasting classic volume. Hardly the definition of an all out indolent loafer. Thank you for this.

  • @TK-kf8zc
    @TK-kf8zc 11 місяців тому +35

    What a rich and comprehensive introductory lecture, if you never read another line of Whitman you will have captured his spirit in this talk.
    The most sensuous of the transcendentalists, Whitman's love of nature could not be more significant to contemporary concerns.
    And his face. I do believe he and Abraham Lincoln have the most beautiful faces I have ever seen. The soul just pours out.
    Thank you for releasing so many talks on Saturdays, Ben. Reading great literature is indeed like falling in love. I wait for the weekends just for this. ❤

  • @dylanmateo68
    @dylanmateo68 11 місяців тому +11

    This is hands down the best Whitman video on UA-cam..

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому +1

      Wow! Thank you so much. You have made my day, my friend :)

  • @brodiiie
    @brodiiie 11 місяців тому +25

    In the beginning of the video you mentioned that his poetry can help us through tough times and i very much agree. Started slowly working my way through this about a month ago, just picking it up every now and then, and i just feel so refreshed after i read one of his poems. Been going through some tough times mental health wise for quite a while now so it’s lovely to have these poems to turn to. As you said it feels as if Whitman is putting his arm around you to comfort you. After I finished Song of Myself I just felt so revitalised and also oddly seen. “I contain multitudes” is always a quote that’s stuck with me and that I’ve loved, so to read it in the full context of the poem was just so wonderful. Sorry for the slightly ramble-y comment. Keep up the amazing content, Ben!

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому +14

      Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing this, Brodie. I'm sorry to hear you've been going through such a tough time. My heart goes out to you, my friend. I'm so glad Whitman's poetry has been able to revitalise and comfort you during this challenging time. I have a copy of his complete works on my bedside when I'm going through a difficult time because his words really do have a healing power. I find I can breathe more fully after reading him. Make sure you're being kind to yourself during this tough time, keep reading uplifting poetry, and just know that you're not alone! ❤️

    • @maryann7619
      @maryann7619 11 місяців тому +3

      "I exist as I am, that is enough"--WW
      That mantra has gotten me through some desperate times these past couple of years.
      Echoing our buddy Benjamin, be kind and gentle with yourself.
      Best, Mary Ann

  • @lauriestonehaskell1687
    @lauriestonehaskell1687 11 місяців тому +6

    I also love Whitman's line "I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, if you want me again look for me under your boot-soles". Absolutely beautiful and soul stirring. I loved this introduction to Walt Whitman's poetry as I loved the introduction to East of Eden - Steinbeck. There is so much psychologically going on in this particular poem. Not projecting forward which leads to anxiety and not being stuck in the past which brings depression but being mindfully in the present moment - as Whitman brings us to. I look so forward to Saturday's when your videos drop - thank you so much for your brilliance Ben.

  • @annarmartin2713
    @annarmartin2713 10 місяців тому +3

    A HS English teacher first ignited my love of Literature but in the sunset of my life you have
    put me in touch with that spark again. This lecture has been profound. I may have to buy a
    Penguin copy so I can mark it up. I have a much earlier copy but I do not want to write in it.
    Thank you for the passion you bring to your work.

  • @philipswain4122
    @philipswain4122 11 місяців тому +3

    Whitman is one of my favourite poets. Him and Philip Larkin. Beautiful, thought-provoking and visceral. As you say, Whitman’s words are medicinal.

  • @FitziCal
    @FitziCal 11 місяців тому +12

    Ben, can i just thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have awoken an invaluable passion for deep reading in myself that i didn't know existed. I'm in my final year of my law degree and i'm still working my way through incredible tomes. I will be joining the book club in the summer. Thank you again.

  • @rorygardner4525
    @rorygardner4525 4 місяці тому +2

    In America, we call Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick" and Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" an American classic. Thanks for making this video on our beloved poet Walt Whitman.

  • @dylanmateo68
    @dylanmateo68 11 місяців тому +4

    It makes me blush that an Englishman, having inherited a much deeper wealth of literature than us yanks, the likes of Shakespeare, donne and blake, not to mention wordsworth, would be so enamored and inspired by Whitman, my favorite poet

  • @jenialiparra4274
    @jenialiparra4274 11 місяців тому +6

    Benjamim, your passion for Literature has been our gift. Thank You!

  • @jimw.4161
    @jimw.4161 11 місяців тому +3

    Truly brilliant exposition and introduction to the works of an American master.
    Very, very few have the ability to explain literature like Mr. McEvoy. I never tire of hearing his exquisite explanations of a subject that he obviously loves. 👏👏

  • @jenialiparra4274
    @jenialiparra4274 11 місяців тому +10

    👏 👏 👏 I live in the neighborhood where Whitman published the Leaves of Grass. I've talked to him every morning. 🙂

  • @sarahwiltshire5851
    @sarahwiltshire5851 10 місяців тому +3

    Ben, thank you so much. I had almost walked away from 'Leaves of Grass'. Thanks to your insights and passion for the work, I've returned to it anew and am exploring it with fresh eyes!

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  9 місяців тому +1

      Wow! Thank you so much, Sarah :) It makes me so happy to hear that! You have completely made my day!

  • @kumarvikramaditya9636
    @kumarvikramaditya9636 10 місяців тому +4

    I first read Whitman's Leaves of Grass in eighth grade, and have been a fan since.

  • @NjIceTea
    @NjIceTea 11 місяців тому +6

    You never fail to get me inspired! You are a gift to UA-cam. Leaves of Grass is such a gold mine of beautiful lines 🤗

  • @billventrice4500
    @billventrice4500 10 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for this. Your passion for Whitman and literature in general is nothing less than a blessing. Perhaps this world is not a lost cause.

  • @gommine
    @gommine 11 місяців тому +5

    This must be your most inspired lecture so far, Ben. Thank you 🙏🏻

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому +1

      Aw, thank you so much, Paola! This was one of my personal favourite discussions. A lot of love went into it, so I really appreciate that ☺️🙏

  • @wthomas5697
    @wthomas5697 11 місяців тому +3

    It's a trip to be hearing someone with a British accent commenting on Walt Whitman. The most American poet.

  • @ceeemm1901
    @ceeemm1901 11 місяців тому +5

    Everytime I think of Walt Whitman I can't help not thinking of Roberto Benigni and Tom Waits in jail in "Down By Law" when he says in italian english, "I like Walt Whitman, 'Leaves Of Grass, very good"

    • @gommine
      @gommine 11 місяців тому +2

      Great film. 🎥

  • @Agyaat_annonymous
    @Agyaat_annonymous 10 місяців тому +1

    I was reading osho and in his list of recommendations ( btw his list in the " books i have loved" is very good ,has lot of great spiritual recommendations from around the world) and came to know about Whitman's work. Am not from native English speaking country so had some problem with understanding or atleast dealing with the doubt whether am understanding right or not, but really thank you for making this video as it really helped me put things in perspective and in context.
    Ps: I am with you dude when you say that you keep it near your bedside, it's one of these poems that's like some profound song that one just doesn't read or listen to one time but rather sings or contemplates about when the mood is in such state i guess. I keep coming back to many verses again and again and would continue to do so maybe my whole life....

  • @jandocherty5834
    @jandocherty5834 11 місяців тому +1

    I am an expert loafer, Whitman would have loved me. Man this is a fantastic reading of the poem, thank you! Your enthusiasm is very contagious, I shall loafe no longer, I'm going to pick up Leaves of Grass again now, it's been far too long!

  • @adelinaflorina1471
    @adelinaflorina1471 7 місяців тому +1

    I just want to thank you for all this work, you helped me to understand, to like the author and to be eager to read it. I bet you prepared a lot so you could come up with such a tremendous work and video. You really ''contribute a verse''.

  • @C.W.Audiobooks
    @C.W.Audiobooks 10 місяців тому +4

    I love this channel! You do us all a great service 😁

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  10 місяців тому +1

      Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that deeply ☺️🙏

  • @NickSchinder
    @NickSchinder 7 місяців тому +3

    Benjamin, I love all your classes but this one ranks right at the top. Thank you🙏

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  7 місяців тому

      Aw, thank you so much, Nick. This was one of my personal favourite discussions, so that really means a lot to me 🙏☺️

  • @richardlong5928
    @richardlong5928 7 місяців тому +1

    Benjamin, you are simply the best. I have watched and rewatched this video more times than I can count. Thank you 🙏

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  7 місяців тому

      Thank you so much, Richard. That really means a lot to me. I appreciate you, my friend ☺️

  • @nangaleema
    @nangaleema 8 місяців тому +1

    This video was so enjoyable!
    "I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars..." ❤

  • @cafepoem189
    @cafepoem189 11 місяців тому +1

    Ben, your analysis of Whitman's 'Song of Myself' is outstanding. Thanks for making these literary weekends so enriching and inspiring!

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому

      Thank you so much!! That makes me so happy ☺️🙏

  • @Azolan69
    @Azolan69 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank you, that was brilliant as usual! Your enthusiasm is contagiousness, it really is.

  • @Wisdom1944
    @Wisdom1944 11 місяців тому +1

    Dear Benjamin, Im entranced by your commentary on Whitman.
    Thank you.
    Thank you.

  • @carolfontaine8993
    @carolfontaine8993 11 місяців тому +1

    Absolutely wonderful and enlightening analysis. Reminds me of Blake a little. Love his (Whitman) poetry and the man himself.
    Watch you all the time and really appreciate your insight especially on Dostoyevsky, my favorite writer.

  • @MikeKGullion
    @MikeKGullion 11 місяців тому +2

    Perfect timing! I just bought Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass." I'm literally holding it my hand right now.

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому

      That's amazing! I hope you enjoy it, Mike :)

  • @slf252728
    @slf252728 10 місяців тому

    Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on Whitman.
    As an asian I found myself very difficult to appreciate Walt Whitman's poems, but you enlighten me some important thoughts on his.

  • @KindleAndCoffeeCups
    @KindleAndCoffeeCups 11 місяців тому

    Dear Ben! What a profoundly moving review, and deeply honoring appreciation of Walt Whitman. I made a light roast pour over, grabbed my copy of Leaves of Grass, and had a wonderful Sunday morning watching this video. Thanks for all that you do my friend. You should consider becoming an audiobook narrator:)

  • @Sauceman10_
    @Sauceman10_ 11 місяців тому +2

    Really good video about Whitman's poetry. The poetry just hits me when hearing it like this and now I want to go and buy his complete work hehe

  • @victorialaura6522
    @victorialaura6522 8 місяців тому +3

    This was amazing. You are a poet yourself. Thank you 🙏 so much.

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  8 місяців тому

      Aw, that's so kind of you, Victoria! Thank you so much :)

  • @Isushmasagar
    @Isushmasagar 8 місяців тому

    These great men recorded their lives in words' to let us feel that we are not alone, and we can find peace at the end if we seek it.

  • @theculturedbumpkin
    @theculturedbumpkin 9 місяців тому +3

    This was magnificent!!!

  • @Benkerosadon7890
    @Benkerosadon7890 10 місяців тому +1

    Benjamin, what an inspiration you have been to me. You have introduced me to literature, books and reading at my age of 64. "I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks." I sure would like a signed 8X10 photograph of you and hang this over my "canon" of books at my home. As George Eliot wrote-"It is never too late be what you might of been." Where can I get such a photograph?

  • @danieltorre1033
    @danieltorre1033 11 місяців тому +2

    What a fantastic explanation Ben!!..Cant wait to read along. How fantastic would be to follow up Whitman and have Thoreau's Walden next year.!!😅

  • @judygoddard3869
    @judygoddard3869 11 місяців тому +3

    Really interesting Ben, as always. You often mention Thomas Hardy. It would be great to see a video on him.

    • @TK-kf8zc
      @TK-kf8zc 11 місяців тому +2

      We are reading Hardy at the end of the year ❤

  • @ericchiang370
    @ericchiang370 8 місяців тому

    Thank you Ben. It’s fortunate that I encounter this video, as it helps me to alleviate the painful feelings that I am experiencing after breaking up with my ex-girlfriend

  • @EduardoHenrique-nd1ro
    @EduardoHenrique-nd1ro 11 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing another lovely video, Benjamin!
    Have an amazing Sunday!
    Cheers from Brazil!

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому +1

      Thank you so much, Eduardo! ☺️

  • @reaganwiles_art
    @reaganwiles_art 11 місяців тому +10

    Sometimes, Whitman is all I can read.

  • @TKTalksBooks
    @TKTalksBooks 11 місяців тому +3

    Thank you for this inspiring lecture.

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому +1

      You're so welcome! Thank you so much for watching :)

  • @MariaPetrescu
    @MariaPetrescu 11 місяців тому

    I am beyond happy that I have found your channel. It truly speaks to my soul in a way that makes existence feel less lonely.
    Just wondering, where might one contact you for business inquiries? There are no indications on your website.
    Thank you and keep up the extraordinary work!

  • @WeSLifechronicles
    @WeSLifechronicles 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank you Sir McEvoy!

  • @izadjahanshahi6041
    @izadjahanshahi6041 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank you so much for this!
    You are the best.

  • @robbiewalsh100
    @robbiewalsh100 11 місяців тому

    Unsure if you've listened to Paul Kelly's Poetry album but I believe you'd appreciate it. Thank you for all your great content!

  • @graceyao2838
    @graceyao2838 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank you, Happy New Year

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому

      Happy New Year to you too, Grace :)

  • @logancushman1882
    @logancushman1882 11 місяців тому

    I love your long and in depth videos about literature. You go into great detail and never give too much information away. On a side note, I was wondering what translation do you recommend on Gogol's short stories or collected stories? Thank you for inspiring us to stay passionate about literature!

  • @marjoriedybec3450
    @marjoriedybec3450 11 місяців тому +1

    That was incredible. TY.

  • @lemerry7266
    @lemerry7266 11 місяців тому +1

    Still here. Need to get on with my Saturday.

  • @Nuli378
    @Nuli378 9 місяців тому

    Thank you so much from an Israeli poetry lover

  • @aamnainfebruary
    @aamnainfebruary 11 місяців тому +1

    This will greatly help me with my exams. Thank you :)

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому

      I'm so happy to hear that :) Best of luck for your exams!

  • @lemerry7266
    @lemerry7266 11 місяців тому +3

    Sounds interesting, Benjamin. I’ve not read much Whitman. I’m feeling provoked! 😂 I’ll have to come back later, though. Appreciate you.

  • @philipmcluskey6805
    @philipmcluskey6805 Місяць тому

    thankyou Ben

  • @AntonisStories
    @AntonisStories 5 місяців тому +1

    Hello! I have a question: I’m thinking to join Patreon for the lectures. Do you keep recordings of lectures because I would love to watch the one on Walt Whitman. Thank you

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  5 місяців тому +1

      Hello Antoni! I'm thrilled you're considering joining us :) We would love to have you journeying through these great books with us. Absolutely, every lecture is there permanently and available to enjoy on demand. We have a big back catalogue at this point, with links to everything we have covered in the Book Club Contents Page pinned to the top of members' feed ☺️

    • @AntonisStories
      @AntonisStories 5 місяців тому

      @@BenjaminMcEvoy Amazing, thanks 🙏🙏

  • @marianaavram2266
    @marianaavram2266 6 місяців тому +1

    Just… thank you!🙏🏼

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  5 місяців тому

      Aw, you are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching! ☺️

  • @susprime7018
    @susprime7018 11 місяців тому +1

    You say Falstaff and I smile, that's everyone's reaction, Whitman's too.

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому +1

      Very true! Our sack-drinking wit of Eastcheap always brings a huge smile to my face :)

  • @philipmcluskey6805
    @philipmcluskey6805 Місяць тому

    wonderful, wonderful, wonderful

  • @familygonzcartwright
    @familygonzcartwright 11 місяців тому +1

    Hello Ben,
    I'd like to ask you on your opinion about the paper quality of the Penguin Classics vs the Vintage Editions. Both being owned by Penguin Random House and paperbacks, what do you think of their differences? I'm wondering because of prize but also because some titles aren't in my country in both editions and I would need to compromise with the worse edition or purchase abroad and pay the shipment here.

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому +1

      I like both editions, but I have a personal preference for Penguin Classics primarily because I find the Vintage books quite hard to read. The Penguin paperbacks have great margin space and font size, and can be splayed open quite easily. I get a lot of joy from handling my physical copies, so that's a huge factor for me :)

    • @familygonzcartwright
      @familygonzcartwright 11 місяців тому

      @@BenjaminMcEvoy Thanks for the answer. I know the Everymans are your favorites but that's a different league with hardbacks and I'm saving it for those works I fall madly in love with.

  • @wiilliampinar8051
    @wiilliampinar8051 11 місяців тому

    Bravo, Benjamin.

  • @BeckyLStoutWriter
    @BeckyLStoutWriter 9 місяців тому

    Well, this video should be helpful to me as I recently visited my local library where I bought a Whitman collection from the used books shelf. I haven't read it yet though, because I'm saving it for April, a.k.a. National Poetry Month! 👍

  • @NerdilyDone
    @NerdilyDone 10 місяців тому

    Would you consider looking into One Day in the life of Ivan Denisovich, or perhaps The Napoleon of Notting Hill?

  • @peteromara642
    @peteromara642 Місяць тому +2

    Song of myself... the greatest poem ever written.

  • @wyattcalcote5867
    @wyattcalcote5867 11 місяців тому +2

    Love the content- would love to see some content about the Beat generation if you are interested in making it

  • @mangalapalliv
    @mangalapalliv 11 місяців тому

    Ben... I need some supporting notes to understand Whitman better... what do you suggest? A friend suggested Harold Bloom.... will it be sufficient? Appreciate if you can let me know..... Else I will drop this from my reading list and pick it up when I grow to be ready for it...

  • @mileseramosroman2387
    @mileseramosroman2387 11 місяців тому

    Just started reading Whitman and I am loving him. Do you have a recommendation of other poets that are similar?

  • @stephenkuester2303
    @stephenkuester2303 9 місяців тому

    Now I re-examine philosophies and religions, they may prove well in lecture rooms, yet not prove at all under the spacious clouds and along the landscape and flowing currents

  • @stephenkuester2303
    @stephenkuester2303 9 місяців тому +1

    I lean on him almost daily

  • @ozziedylan9903
    @ozziedylan9903 11 місяців тому +1

    Oh Captain My Captain

  • @geoffreynhill2833
    @geoffreynhill2833 9 місяців тому

    How about the poetry of Bob Dylan, Benjamin? 🤔("Green Fire", IngramSpark, geoff nelson hill ) 🌈🦉

  • @jayraskin
    @jayraskin 10 місяців тому

    Nice description of Walt Whitman. In 1888, Whitman said it would take 100 years to judge his poetry.
    Here we are 136 years later. You are right, his poems are still as beautiful and pertinent as it was in his day.
    Be careful however about confusing his ideas with more modern ideas of later writers like Oscar Wild and D.H. Lawrence.
    When I was 12 years old in 1965, my Hebrew School took me to hear Allan Ginsberg in Greenwich Village. The poetry he read and chanted from 8-10:30 P.M. was very Buddhist and anti-war. There was about 200 people in the loft. He took a break and over half the audience left. From 11 P.M. to 12 PM his poetry was more personal and more openly erotic and about drug use. I didn't like it.
    I remember being with a very smart Jewish girl also about 12 years old. At the end of the evening I remember we kissed. It was a very brief goodbye kiss. It was my first kiss by a girl not a relative. I fell in love. I never saw her again.

  • @normanleach5427
    @normanleach5427 11 місяців тому

    "There was a child who went forth..."

  • @Roland96351
    @Roland96351 11 місяців тому +1

    Your bedside must have quite a stack of books on it.

  • @annieluminarias463
    @annieluminarias463 11 місяців тому

    It may help you understand the Judeo-Christian context for sexuality and marriage by reading and immersing in the Song of Solomon and the apostle Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians. Sex within the context of of a Christian marriage is the ultimate pleasure and exquisite form of worship to the One who ordained the husband-wife relationship as an embodiment of Christ’s perfect, lifegiving love for his bride the Church.

    • @joejohnson6327
      @joejohnson6327 7 місяців тому

      I bet you think Whitman's a demon from Hell lol

  • @TKTalksBooks
    @TKTalksBooks 11 місяців тому +1

    I share my birthday with WW! How lucky am I?

  • @rstokes9630
    @rstokes9630 11 місяців тому

  • @DanielFernandez-jv7jx
    @DanielFernandez-jv7jx 10 місяців тому

    ἄνδρα μοι ἔννεπε, μοῦσα, πολύτροπον

  • @RolledLs
    @RolledLs 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank you, Ben - superb.

    • @BenjaminMcEvoy
      @BenjaminMcEvoy  11 місяців тому

      My pleasure! Thank you for watching :)