Leaves of Grass · Chapter
Thick-Sprinkled Bunting explained
The chapter envisions the American flag as a symbol of a world-transforming ideal, acknowledging the bloody struggle ahead but asserting its eventual supremacy over all kings' flags, as it marches toward a universal prize.
What happens
The chapter envisions the American flag as a symbol of a world-transforming ideal, acknowledging the bloody struggle ahead but asserting its eventual supremacy over all kings' flags, as it marches toward a universal prize.
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 Falling action.
- 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
- America and Its People
The flag is portrayed as the embodiment of democratic destiny, surpassing old-world monarchies.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Thick-sprinkled bunting! flag of stars! Long yet your road, fateful flag—long yet your road, and lined with bloody death, For the prize I see at issue at last is the world”
O star-spangled banner, your path is still long and marked by violent sacrifice, because the ultimate stake is global dominion.
Whitman frames the American flag as a symbol of a world-transforming struggle.
“O hasten flag of man—O with sure and steady step, passing highest flags of kings, Walk supreme to the heavens mighty symbol—run up above them all”
Hurry, flag of humanity, stride confidently past all royal banners and rise as the supreme emblem in the sky.
The flag of democracy is called to outshine all monarchical symbols.
