Which idea did Song of Myself emphasize?

• A. Strict religious conformity.
• B. Industrial capitalism dominating society.
• C. Heavy emphasis on aristocratic rule.
• D. Individualism valued by American citizens.

Answer: (D)

Individualism and the belief in the value of the individual is the main idea highlighted in Song of Myself. Whitman writes with an inclusive, democratic voice that treats every person as worthy and connected to a larger whole. The self is celebrated not as a solitary ego but as part of a shared human experience, blending personal identity with a universal sense of humanity and nature. This perspective mirrors a distinctly American idea that individuals have intrinsic dignity, freedom, and equal potential, able to contribute to the nation as a whole. The poem lifts the common person and everyday experience, rather than promoting strict religious conformity, industrial dominance, or aristocratic privilege.