Leaves of Grass, Part 5 summary
Part 5 of 358 · Book 1: Inscriptions · 1 min to read the part
In To a Historian, the speaker addresses someone who celebrates the past and studies human life through its outward forms, including politics and authority. The speaker presents a different task: attending to individual rights, inward life, and personal pride while projecting a history of the future.
What happens
- The speaker addresses a historian who celebrates the past and explores the outward forms of human life.
- The historian treats people through politics, social groups, rulers, and priests.
- The speaker identifies himself as an Alleghanies resident and attends to the individual and personal rights.
- The speaker claims hidden life and personal pride as his subjects, then projects a future history.
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In this part
What to notice
The closing claim defines the speaker's task in contrast to the historian's study of the past. His account centers on individuality and life that remains largely unseen.
Quick check
Where does the speaker say he resides?
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