Leaves of Grass, Part 56 summary
Part 56 of 358 · Book 5: Calamus · 1 min to read the part
In City of Orgies, the speaker addresses Manhattan and claims that his life and song there promise it fame, then rejects its public sights and social pleasures as his reward. Instead, he values the passing glances that offer love and answer his own desire for connection.
What happens
- The speaker addresses a city of pleasure and claims that his presence and song promise it fame.
- He dismisses public spectacles, houses, ships, shopping displays, learned conversation, and social gatherings as sources of reward.
- He names Manhattan and singles out fleeting glances that offer love and answer his own.
- He closes by declaring that countless lovers alone reward him.
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In this part
What to notice
The closing declaration identifies love as the speaker's sole reward. It resolves the contrast between the city's many attractions and the personal exchanges he values.
Quick check
What does the speaker identify as his reward in Manhattan?
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