https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGZo87If2T8&t=28s
O Me! O Life!
W ALT W HITMAN
1867
Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring,
Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,
Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more
faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew’d,
Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,
Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,
The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?
Answer.
That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.
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Walter Whitman (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892) was an American poet, essayist and journalist. A
humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both
views in his works. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called
the father of free verse. His work was controversial in his time, particularly his 1855 poetry collection
Leaves of Grass, which was described as obscene for its overt sensuality.
“O Me! O Life!”
Walt Whitman (1819-1892) first published "O Me! O Life!" in the 1867 edition of his
famous collection Leaves of Grass.
Main Idea of the Poem
Walt Whitman's poem explores feelings of doubt, sadness, and frustration with the world.
He asks: What’s the point of life when everything seems so disappointing? But then he
answers with hope: Life exists, and you have the chance to make a difference—to
contribute your own verse to the “powerful play” of life.
Connection to Dead Poets Society
In the film Dead Poets Society, Mr. Keating, the English teacher, uses this poem to inspire
his students. He wants them to understand that:
Life is meaningful, even when it feels hard or confusing.
Each person matters, and has something unique to offer.
You can choose how to live, not just follow what others expect.
He famously asks, “What will your verse be?”—encouraging students to live boldly, think
for themselves, and follow their passions.
Key Themes Shared by the Poem and the Film
Individuality: Both the poem and the film celebrate being true to yourself.
Purpose: They ask deep questions about the meaning of life and challenge us to
find our own answers.
Inspiration: Mr. Keating uses poetry like Whitman's to awaken his students’ minds
and hearts.
This poem reminds us that even when life feels dark or pointless, we are here for a
reason—and we get to write our own story. Just like the students in Dead Poets Society, we
can choose to “seize the day” and make our lives extraordinary.
Writing Prompt: "Your Verse in the Powerful Play"
Instructions for Students:
Read Walt Whitman's poem O Me! O Life! and think about the message Mr. Keating shares
in Dead Poets Society. Then, respond to the following prompt in a short paragraph (5–8
sentences):
Whitman says, “That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” What
does this mean to you? What kind of “verse” do you want to contribute to the world?
You can write about your dreams, your passions, or how you want to make a difference. Be
honest and creative—this is your chance to reflect on your own voice and purpose.
Optional Class Activity: "Verse Wall"
Each student writes their “verse” on a small piece of paper.
Decorate the classroom wall with everyone’s contributions.
Celebrate the idea that every student has something unique and powerful to offer.
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