Question

Identify an extended metaphor in Whitman's "Song of the Open Road." In 300 words or less, explain how it develops over the course of the poem, and how it supports the poem's major themes.

Answer 1

"Song of the Open Road." This was originally called "Poem of the Open Road" when it first appeared in the 1856 edition of Leaves of Grass, but Whitman kept tinkering with this, and the other poems in the collection, for the rest of his life. The gist, however, remains the same: Whitman's speaker is off for the open road, to experience the freedom and expansiveness it promises. Along the way, he finds lots of people and sees lots of the country—all of which he loves, and all of which he invites us to appreciate in his own particular Whitmanian way.

Like the bumper sticker says: life's not about the destination; it's about the journey. And good luck finding a more generous, enthusiastic tour guide than ol' Walt.