Leaves of Grass · Character

The General

A military commander referenced in a war context.

minor

Also known as The general, the General, The General

The General'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 recalls a dying general who gasps 'Mind not me—mind—the entrenchments' during a bombardment.

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With Narrator (professional): The General is a military leader whom the narrator addresses with respect and a sense of shared purpose. In The Universal Self: The narrator recalls a dying general who gasps 'Mind not…

With Narrator (professional): The General is a military leader whom the narrator addresses with respect and a sense of shared purpose.

In The Universal Self: The narrator recalls a dying general who gasps 'Mind not me—mind—the entrenchments' during a bombardment.

Later, in From Pent-Up Aching Rivers: Mentioned as commanding the speaker, from whom permission is taken, representing a higher power or destiny.

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Character Web

9 connections

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Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Historical and Symbolic Personages
National and Mythic Archetypes
Protagonist
Maternal and Mediating Forces

+4 more in the full Character Web

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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
professional · positive
The General is a military leader whom the narrator addresses with respect and a sense of… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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In the story

The General appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Universal Self
The narrator recalls a dying general who gasps 'Mind not me—mind—the entrenchments' during a bombardment.
From Pent-Up Aching Rivers
Mentioned as commanding the speaker, from whom permission is taken, representing a higher power or destiny.
I Saw Old General at Bay
The old general at bay, with gray eyes shining like stars, commands a small hemmed-in force and calls for volunteers for a desperate mission.
The Dying Veteran
Implied as Washington, under whom the veteran served.
Interpolation Sounds
The mounted general in the battle scene, issuing orders amid the chaos.

Chapter companion notes

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See The General in song of myself

See The General in The Universal Self