Leaves of Grass · Chapter
Poets to Come explained
The speaker addresses future poets, orators, singers, and musicians, asserting that his own work is merely a preliminary gesture for a coming generation that will fully realize and justify his vision.
What happens
The speaker addresses future poets, orators, singers, and musicians, asserting that his own work is merely a preliminary gesture for a coming generation that will fully realize and justify his vision.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the speaker fully internalizes the world’s suffering, feeling…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Poet as Prophet and Unifier
The speaker positions himself as a forerunner, entrusting future poets with the task of completing and justifying his work.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
The speaker who addresses future poets and defines his own role as a precursor.
Key passages
“I myself but write one or two indicative words for the future, I but advance a moment only to wheel and hurry back in the darkness.”
I only set down a few suggestive lines for times to come; I step forward briefly, then retreat into obscurity.
The speaker emphasizes his transient, preparatory role.
“Leaving it to you to prove and define it, Expecting the main things from you.”
I leave it to you to confirm and give full meaning to what I have started; I look to you for the essential achievements.
The speaker entrusts future generations with the fulfillment of his vision.
