Whitman’s biographical background significantly influenced the themes of "Song of Myself," particularly his democratic ideals and belief in the sanctity of the individual. Born in a burgeoning America, Whitman's experiences as a journalist and his immersion in the dynamic social changes of his time informed his celebration of the common man and the inclusive nature of his poetry . His work echoes a personal belief in the transcendence and unity of all people, underpinning the Transcendentalist themes of universal spiritual connection that pervade the poem . Additionally, his non-conformist approach and appreciation of diversity are reflections of his own life experiences and values .

In "Song of Myself," Walt Whitman employs symbols such as grass, perfume, homes, and the atmosphere to extend individual experiences into universal themes. Grass, Whitman’s primary symbol, represents continuity, growth, and divinity in mundane life, emphasizing that divinity permeates the ordinary, as seen in the line "the grass is itself a child, the produced babe of the vegetation" . This symbol also suggests immortality and regeneration, encapsulated in, "The smallest sprout shows there is really no death" . Perfume and homes symbolize individuals and civilization, while the atmosphere represents the universe, demonstrating the interconnectedness of all entities and highlighting the transcendental belief of divine spirit in nature and individuals .

"Song of Myself" reflects Romantic era themes such as the emphasis on individualism, the celebration of nature, and the belief in intrinsic divinity within all people . Romanticism's philosophy of uniting with the divine through individual experience is echoed in Whitman's portrayal of nature as imbued with spiritual significance, as seen in the lines regarding grass as a symbol of ongoing life and divine presence . Moreover, the poem’s focus on self-discovery and personal growth aligns with Romantic ideals, showcasing the profound interrelationship between the self and the universe, a hallmark of both Romantic and Transcendentalist thought .

Walt Whitman introduced several stylistic innovations in "Song of Myself," notably the use of free verse, which liberates the poetry from traditional metrical structures and allows for a more natural, spoken quality . This style mirrors the democratic ideals and inclusiveness of the poem, allowing for a broad range of voices and themes to be represented. Whitman’s expansive and cataloging style, characterized by long, flowing lines, contributes to the poem’s celebratory tone and reflects the vast, diverse experiences of American life . Additionally, his use of vivid sensory imagery and symbols, such as grass, enhances the universality and accessibility of his themes, marking a departure from the rigid poetic forms of his predecessors and influencing subsequent generations of poets .

In "Song of Myself," nature plays a central role in illustrating Transcendentalist beliefs through its depiction as a source of spiritual insight and divinity . Whitman uses elements like grass to symbolize the equality and continuity of life, reflecting the Transcendentalist view that the divine spirit is present in all aspects of the natural world and connects all living beings . By portraying the universe as represented by the atmosphere and correlating civilization with metaphorical ‘perfume,’ Whitman positions nature as a divine force, emphasizing the Transcendentalist belief in individual connection to the universe and the spiritual potential within every person .

"Song of Myself" reflects Whitman's views on mortality and immortality through its exploration of life’s continuity and the eternal nature of the soul. Whitman conveys immortality by illustrating the cycle of life and death as a seamless process, where "The smallest sprout shows there is really no death" . By symbolizing the grass as a manifestation of ongoing life and divine presence, Whitman suggests that death is not an end but a transformation and continuation of the soul's journey . His view integrates Transcendentalist beliefs of an enduring spiritual essence, reinforcing the idea that every life is a component of a greater continuum .

In "Song of Myself," the pronouns "I" and "you" are significant as they embody the poem’s core themes of individuality and universality. The "I" initially represents Whitman’s personal perspective but gradually comes to symbolize a universal self, embracing the experiences of humanity as a whole . This personal-to-collective transition is a foundational element of the poem, inviting readers to engage with Whitman’s exploration of self and society . Meanwhile, the shift from "I" to "you" towards the poem’s end encourages readers to inhabit the poet’s experiences and reflections, fostering a sense of shared identity and collective consciousness, which is central to the poem’s transcendental themes .

The cultural and literary contexts that influenced "Song of Myself" include the Transcendentalist movement and the broader Romantic era, which emphasized individualism, nature, and spiritual transcendence . The period was marked by a growing American identity and exploration of democratic ideals, elements that Whitman embraced and embedded into his poetry as a celebration of the common person and an acknowledgment of America’s diverse social fabric . Additionally, Whitman's work was shaped by the evolving literary landscape that moved away from rigid forms toward more expressive and innovative styles, reflecting the shift towards personal freedom and creativity in artistic expressions .

Transcendentalism influenced "Song of Myself" through its focus on individualism, self-reliance, and the connection between the divine and the natural world. These themes are evident in Whitman’s use of the first-person narrative, symbolized by the pronoun "I," which transitions to "you" as the reader absorbs the poet’s experiences . The poem emphasizes the universal spirit within each individual and celebrates the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, consistent with Transcendentalist beliefs in divine presence in all living things . Whitman’s stylistic innovations, such as free verse, strive to break from traditional constraints, echoing the movement’s encouragement of creativity and rejection of societal norms .

Whitman’s "Song of Myself" exemplifies the transition from personal to universal themes through the poet’s use of the pronoun "I," which starts as a representation of his personal identity and gradually expands to include a collective human experience . This transition is facilitated by his symbolic use of elements like grass to convey themes of interconnectedness and the common divinity in all living things, thus universalizing personal experience . Whitman’s style, which integrates biographical, philosophical, and sermonic elements, further blurs the lines between the individual and the communal, prompting readers to see themselves in his self-reflection and turning the personal narrative into a shared, universal journey .