"The Odyssey" is closed to the story of the hero and centers its plot around the theme of a journey, highlighting Greek culture particularly pertaining to heroism. On the contrary, rather than just focusing on the hero and one specific culture, Whitman's "Song to Myself" is more comprehensive. Although Whitman does seem to have a rather strong focus on America, he often jumps to a multitude of different topics and issues. Initially, Whitman presents his views on lingering American issues such as slavery, where he states, "know that they who have eyes are divine,/ and the blind and lame are equally divineI do not call one greater and one smaller." (Whitman 44) However, as he moves on, Whitman takes on much more broad topics such as sexuality, friendship, and spirituality. In addition, Whitman reaches out to the world, establishing a theme that everyone is connected through shared experiences and nature. A quote that demonstrates this concept well can be found when Whitman states: "For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you./ I loafe and invite my soul,/ I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass./" (Whitman 1) This quote clearly demonstrates Whitman's difference from the classical epic. Whitman reaches out to a larger audience which is beyond that of just Americans. He talks about a myriad of issues and deviates from the norm of presenting a hero and his journey. Rather, he addresses the world, inviting them all to be a part of a greater journey called life. .
As epics tend to, Whitman's epic often times brings up a particular culture of which he is fond of, namely America. Whitman was a participant in the U.S. Civil War and as a result, he carries a great sense of national pride, often emphasizing the reverence of America's freedom. Although Whitman talks about or makes reference to America numerous times throughout his poem, one example of both his Civil War tenure and reference to America can be found when he states: .