Leaves of Grass · Chapter
To Soar in Freedom and in Fullness of Power explained
The speaker declares a preference for the wild, soaring flight of hawks and seagulls over the sweet, confined singing of canaries and mockingbirds, asserting a desire for freedom, power, joy, and volition rather than mere melodiousness.
What happens
The speaker declares a preference for the wild, soaring flight of hawks and seagulls over the sweet, confined singing of canaries and mockingbirds, asserting a desire for freedom, power, joy, and volition rather than mere melodiousness.
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
- Individuality and Self
The speaker asserts a personal, autonomous choice to embrace wild freedom over conventional sweetness.
- Celebration of Nature and the Universe
The hawk and seagull are celebrated as embodiments of natural freedom and power.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
The speaker expresses personal preference for wild freedom over tame sweetness.
Key passages
“I have not so much emulated the birds that musically sing, I have abandon’d myself to flights, broad circles.”
I have not tried to imitate songbirds; instead, I have given myself over to soaring in wide arcs.
The speaker contrasts imitation of sweet song with surrender to expansive flight.
“The hawk, the seagull, have far more possess’d me than the canary or mocking-bird.”
I am more deeply moved by hawks and seagulls than by canaries or mockingbirds.
Wild birds of prey and sea birds inspire the speaker more than domesticated songbirds.
“I have not felt to warble and trill, however sweetly, I have felt to soar in freedom and in the fullness of power, joy, volition.”
I have not felt the urge to sing sweetly; instead, I have felt the urge to fly freely with complete power, joy, and will.
The speaker prioritizes the experience of freedom and power over sweet, confined expression.
