Main Message of 'Myself' Poem

Main Message and Speaker's Emphasis

The main message of the poem is the paramount importance of living with self-respect, honesty, and a clear conscience. The speaker emphasizes this throughout by consistently expressing a desire to be able to "look myself straight in the eye" and not "hate myself for the things I have done." This constant introspection highlights a yearning for inner peace and a rejection of hypocrisy ("I don't want to dress up myself in sham"). The emphasis is on internal validation over external appearances, as the speaker recognizes that one "never can hide myself from me."

Definition of Self-Respect and Its Importance

The speaker defines self-respect not merely as gaining others' admiration, but as an internal state of being able to "like myself" and be "conscience free." It involves avoiding "bluster and bluff and empty show" and not keeping "secrets about myself" that would lead to self-deception. Self-respect is crucial to the speaker because it forms the foundation of their identity and happiness. It allows them to "go out with my head erect" and to genuinely "deserve all men's respect," rather than seeking superficial approval. For the speaker, self-respect is synonymous with living truthfully and authentically, ensuring an enduring sense of worth.

Use of Repetition to Emphasize Key Ideas

The poet effectively uses repetition, particularly of the phrases "I want to" and "I don't want to," to underscore the speaker's firm resolve and values. This anaphoric repetition at the beginning of lines or clauses (a common poetic device) creates a rhythmic, almost declarative tone, reinforcing the speaker's unwavering commitment to living a life of integrity. For instance, the repeated "I don't want to" highlights the actions and attitudes the speaker actively seeks to avoid, emphasizing the negative consequences of a life lived without authenticity. Similarly, "I never can" reinforces the inescapable nature of self-awareness and the impossibility of truly fooling oneself.

Most Standing-Out Lines and Their Contribution to the Theme

The lines that stand out the most are:

• "I never can hide myself from me; I see what others may never see; I know what others may never know, I never can fool myself and so, whatever happens I want to be self respecting and conscience free."

These lines profoundly encapsulate the poem's core theme. They emphasize the inescapable nature of one's own self-judgment and the futility of deceiving oneself. They highlight that while one might fool the world, the inner self remains an incorruptible judge. The culmination in "self respecting and conscience free" serves as the ultimate goal and definition of a well-lived life, reinforcing that internal peace is the true measure of success and integrity, transcending external perceptions or material gains.

Relating the Poem's Message to Modern Society

In modern society, particularly one heavily influenced by social media and public image, the poem's message is profoundly relevant. Social media often incentivizes presenting a curated, often idealized, version of oneself, leading to a "sham" or "empty show" that the poem cautions against. The constant pursuit of "likes" and external validation mirrors the "struggle for fame and wealth," potentially eroding genuine self-respect. The poem reminds us that true well-being comes from an authentic self, not from a manufactured public persona. In an age of digital pretense, the poem advocates for introspection, authenticity, and valuing internal moral compass over fleeting digital approval. It underscores that one's inner peace and integrity are far more valuable than any perceived "public image" online.