# Democracy — Leaves of Grass character guide > Democracy in Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. **Role:** supporting **First appearance:** 0001-leaves-of-grass ## Snapshot A 'Mother of All' whose immortal breasts feed every daughter and son alike, and whose true bible is written in the people themselves. ## Who they are Democracy is figured as a larger, saner brood than any single savior or scripture, her saviors countless and latent within her own citizens. The tension is that her material triumphs—wars, visible growth—mean less than the education, music, and moral wealth still being born. She matters because Whitman insists the book itself is her chant, the sure foundation on which her 'resplendent coming' rests. ## In the story ### [Leaves of Grass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/leaves-of-grass) The principle of equality and collective personality proclaimed in the chapter. ### [Inscriptions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/inscriptions) Democracy is a central theme, proclaimed as the foundation of the poet's work. ### [To Foreign Lands](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/to-foreign-lands) Described as athletic, a key attribute of America. ### [Eidólons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/eid-lons) Mentioned as the recipient of the prophet and bard's mediation of God and eidólons. ### [Starting from Paumanok](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/starting-from-paumanok) The ideal of equality and collective identity that the poet champions throughout the chapter. ### [Chants of the Prairies and the People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/3) Implied through the 'humanitarian marches' and the program of chants for the masses, celebrating collective progress. ### [The Soul's Eternal Song](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/6) Implied through the call for comity between States and the song for the States that no State may be subjected to another. ### [Chapter 10: Germs of a Greater Religion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/10) One of the two greatnesses shared with the comrade, alongside Love. ### [Democracy and the Bard of Personality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/12) Addressed directly as the audience for the poet's songs. ### [Song of the Broad-Axe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/14) Democracy's lands are the recipients of exulting words, and the poet includes all individuals as neighbors and equals. ### [Song of Myself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/song-of-myself) The ideal of equality and collective identity is central to the poem's message. ### [Alone Far in the Wilds and Mountains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/10) The inclusive treatment of the runaway slave and the communal chowder-kettle gathering reflect democratic ideals. ### [Song of Myself, Section 15](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/15) Democracy is implicit in the equal attention given to all individuals, from the President to the prostitute, reflecting a democratic vision of inclusion. ### [Song of Myself, Section 21](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/21) Underpins the assertion that no one is greater than another, and all will pass on. ### [Walt Whitman, a Kosmos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/24) The speaker gives the sign of democracy, insisting that nothing be accepted unless all can have their counterpart on the same terms. ### [A Call in the Midst of the Crowd](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/42) The chapter embodies democratic ideals through the narrator's acknowledgment of the duplicates of himself and the deathless connection with the weakest and shallowest. ### [I Sing the Body Electric](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/i-sing-the-body-electric) Evoked by the assertion that each person, even the meanest laborer or immigrant, has an equal place in the procession of life. ### [Calamus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/calamus) Implied as the political and social system that will be strengthened by the bonds of male love. ### [For You O Democracy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/for-you-o-democracy) The addressee, personified as 'ma femme', for whom the songs are trilled. ### [Among the Multitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/among-the-multitude) Implied through the theme of perfect equality between the speaker and the beloved. ### [Salut au Monde!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/salut-au-monde) Implied in the poet's vision of equality and brotherhood among all nations. ### [Salutation to All Inhabitants of the Earth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/10) Reflected in the indiscriminate mixing and saluting of all ranks, colors, and civilizations. ### [The Open Road Journey Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/13) The procession of all souls embodies democratic equality on the grand roads. ### [Crossing Brooklyn Ferry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/crossing-brooklyn-ferry) The ferry serves as a microcosm of democratic equality and shared humanity. ### [Our Old Feuillage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/our-old-feuillage) Democracy is invoked as the continent's defining principle, embodied in the free range, diversity, and the 'continent of Democracy' that unites all the states. ### [Song of the Broad-Axe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/song-of-the-broad-axe) The ideal embodied in the axe's work of building cities and institutions for all. ### [The Great City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/5) The chapter describes a city where the citizen is the head and ideal, and elected officials are mere agents, embodying the spirit of democracy. ### [The Main Shapes Arise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/12) Democracy is the central subject, arising as a total, centuries-long result. ### [Song of the Exposition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/song-of-the-exposition) Democracy is celebrated as the spirit behind the exposition and the new industrial age. ### [Away with Themes of War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/7) The focus on the average man and woman and their daily work reflects democratic ideals. ### [Song of the Redwood-Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/song-of-the-redwood-tree) The ideal of equality and collective progress that the redwood heralds as the future of the continent. ### [A Song for Occupations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/a-song-for-occupations) The principle of equality among all occupations is championed, reflecting the democratic spirit of the chapter. ### [Song of Myself, Section 2](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/2) Evoked by the equal valuation of wife and husband, daughter and son, mother and father. ### [The Grandeur of Existence and the Self](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/3) Implied through the celebration of equality and the worth of every person. ### [A Song of the Rolling Earth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/a-song-of-the-rolling-earth) Invoked through the theme of equality and the common person's divinity. ### [Pioneers! O Pioneers!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/pioneers-o-pioneers) Reflected in the united ranks of Southern and Northern comrades, all hands clasping. ### [A Broadway Pageant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/a-broadway-pageant) Democracy is implicitly celebrated as the driving force behind the inclusive and grand spectacle on Broadway. ### [Over the Western Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/1) Implied through the concept of Libertad and the collective, egalitarian gathering. ### [By the Roadside](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/by-the-roadside) Echoed in the celebration of common people and everyday life. ### [Europe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/europe) The people's scorn for kings and their fight for freedom embody democratic principles. ### [Rise O Days from Your Fathomless Deeps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/rise-o-days-from-your-fathomless-deeps) Addressed directly as 'Democracy' striding with vengeful port, a central force in the chapter's vision. ### [Chapter 2](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/2) Democracy strides with desperate vengeful port through the dark, shown by lightning flashes. ### [Thunder on! Stride on, Democracy!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/3) Addressed directly as 'Democracy' and called to stride on with vengeful stroke. ### [Over the Carnage Rose Prophetic a Voice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/over-the-carnage-rose-prophetic-a-voice) Implied as the system whose problems will be solved by affection, and whose continuance depends on comrades. ### [By Blue Ontario’s Shore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/by-blue-ontario-s-shore) The central ideal celebrated and proclaimed as the foundation of the new world. ### [By Blue Ontario's Shore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/1) Referenced as the destined conqueror, though beset by lip-smiles and infidelity. ### [Land of Lands and Bards to Corroborate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/6) Implied in the 'simple elastic scheme' of the States, the equality of female with male, and the 'noble character of mechanics and farmers.' ### [The Poet as Arbiter and Equalizer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/10) Implied through the ideas of perfect and free individuals, Liberty, and Equality. ### [The Poet's Vocation in America](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/12) Democracy is referenced as the assumed poems and processes that must replace feudal ones. ### [America Is You and Me](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/17) Democracy is personified as serenely giving birth to immortal children and spreading its mantle over the world. ### [I Was Looking a Long While](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/i-was-looking-a-long-while) Identified as the purport and aim of all the past, central to the speaker's discovery. ### [Proud Music of the Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/proud-music-of-the-storm) Referenced through the call for a new music that includes all voices and classes. ### [Ah from a Little Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/3) The inclusive catalog of songs from all nations and classes reflects democratic embrace of diverse voices. ### [Thou Mother with Thy Equal Brood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/thou-mother-with-thy-equal-brood) Proclaimed as a core principle of the nation, linked to personality and equality. ### [Ship of Democracy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/4) The guiding principle and cargo of the ship, representing the collective venture of humanity. ### [Beautiful World of New Superber Birth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/5) Democracy is implied through the vision of democratic fêtes en-masse and the equal endearment of every daughter and son. ### [Chapter 3](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/3) Implied through the insistence on equality and the unbreakable worth of every individual, even the most degraded. ### [Thoughts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/thoughts) Democracies en-masse and the conformity of politics and armies to them are celebrated. ### [Mediums](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/mediums) Mentioned as a subject the mediums will illustrate, alongside the kosmos. ### [As I Walk These Broad Majestic Days](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/as-i-walk-these-broad-majestic-days) Referenced as 'Libertad' and 'the divine average,' representing freedom and equality for all. ### [Years of the Modern](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/years-of-the-modern) Freedom, completely armed and victorious, stands with Law and Peace against the idea of caste. ### [Thoughts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/thoughts) The Democratic masses are described as turbulent, wilful, and loved by the narrator, serving the ongoing contest of evil with good and the fruits of society. ### [Of These Years I Sing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/1) Referenced through the Democratic masses, turbulent and wilful, loved by the narrator. ### [So Long!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/so-long) Democracy is announced as triumphant, with uncompromising liberty and equality. ### [America](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/america) Implied through the vision of equal daughters and equal sons, all alike endear'd. ### [Election Day, November, 1884](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/election-day-november-1884) Implied in the peaceful, swordless conflict of the ballot and the collective choice of the people. ### [A Thought of Columbus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/a-thought-of-columbus) Listed among the forces rolling on through time, part of the cumulative progress. ### [A Backward Glance O'er Travel'd Roads](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/a-backward-glance-o-er-travel-d-roads) Democracy is cited as a fundamental presupposition and theme that shapes the poetry of 'Leaves of Grass'. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/characters/democracy - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/characters