Leaves of Grass, Part 236 summary
Part 236 of 358 · Book 5: Calamus · 1 min to read the part
In That Music Always Round Me, the speaker becomes aware of music that surrounds him constantly, hearing contrasting voices and both joyful and mournful sounds. This new attention moves beyond sound toward meaning, ending with a tentative claim to understand performers who may not understand themselves.
What happens
- The speaker recognizes constant surrounding music that he previously lacks the training to hear.
- He hears a chorus with delight, distinguishing a powerful tenor, a soaring soprano, and a trembling bass.
- He takes in both triumphant singing and funeral sounds accompanied by flutes and violins.
- The voices move him through their meanings as they compete in emotional intensity.
- He doubts the performers understand themselves but senses that he begins to understand them.
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What does the speaker begin to think about the performers?
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