Leaves of Grass · Character

Christ

Jesus Christ, referenced as a divine and suffering figure.

minor

Also known as Christ divine, the Lord Christ

Christ's tie to Narrator is one of the pressures that moves Leaves of Grass—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

The narrator walks 'the old hills of Judaea with the beautiful gentle God by my side,' referencing Christ.

In the storyThe Universal SelfOpen this moment free

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With Narrator (psychological): Christ is a symbolic, divine figure with whom the narrator identifies or communes in a mystical, non-dogmatic way. With Narrator (psychological): Christ is a symbolic, divine figure with…

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See Christ in leaves of grass

Character Web

8 connections

A slice of how Christ sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Other

Character groups

National and Mythic Archetypes
Protagonist
Historical and Symbolic Personages

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the speaker fully internalizes the world’s suffering, feeling…

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Relationships

Narrator
psychological · positive
Christ is a symbolic, divine figure with whom the narrator identifies or communes in a… How this plays out →
Narrator
psychological · positive
Christ is a symbolic, divine figure with whom the narrator identifies or communes in a… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Christ in leaves of grass

In the story

Christ appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Universal Self
The narrator walks 'the old hills of Judaea with the beautiful gentle God by my side,' referencing Christ.
Chapter 43
Mentioned as 'him that was crucified' and accepted as divine.
The Base of All Metaphysics
Studied as part of the philosophical and religious systems, yet beneath Christ divine the dear love of man for his comrade is seen.
What Do You Hear Walt Whitman?
Referenced in the tale of the divine life and bloody death.
The Vision of Ancient Religions and Sacrifice
Depicted at the Last Supper, eating bread among youths and elders.
A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Dim
The third stretcher's face is identified as the face of Christ, dead and divine, brother of all.
Old Ireland
Referenced as the Lord who is not dead but risen again young and strong in another country.
To Him That Was Crucified
The crucified figure to whom the poem is addressed, referred to as 'dear brother' and 'my comrade'.
Passage to India
Invoked as the divine reconciler and the ultimate goal of the soul's voyage.
O Vast Rondure
The true son of God is prophesied to come as the poet who will fuse Nature and Man.
Prayer of Columbus
Referenced indirectly through the 'lifeless cross' of Europe, which Columbus hopes will bud and blossom in the new world.
Chanting the Square Deific
Appears as the second side, the consolator and promis'd one, absorbing sorrow and offering charity and love.
Consolator Most Mild
The speaker identifies with the Lord Christ, who gazes upon the scene as a divine figure of love and sacrifice.
Santa Spirita
Referenced as 'Saviour,' included in the all-encompassing nature of the soul.

Chapter companion notes

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See Christ in leaves of grass

See Christ in The Universal Self