In “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry”, Walt Whitman makes a great case to portray the daily commute to be full of significance. Throughout the story, Whitman’s connection between the individual and the masses of commute amplifies how the commute of yours and others around you, can say a lot about yourself and the other person ahead or behind you. Whether we commute to school, work, the gym, we all may have experienced the same or similar cultural impact during traveling. Whitman uses his own commute as a prime example, using the ferry can only make him question what kind of people he is surrounded by and how similar they are as people.

While commuting may seem to be a very small detail in someone’s life, Whitman further expresses, “I am with you, you men and women of a generations or ever so many generations hence, Just as I feel when you look on the river and sky, so I felt…” A specific commute can hold great value, as it allows you to make it to work on time, it leads you to the nice cafe, or takes you to your family. Whitmans expression throughout the story shows gratification, as it may bring him closer to other individuals who may be experiencing the same or similar situation. Whitman also acknowledges that a persons appearance is not the only way to express yourself, but through your daily commute alongside the way you express yourself through your appearance; this can bring a more positive impact to society.

The connection between an individual and the masses of commute bring back the same thoughts I often get when commuting. I always begin to question what the other persons life is like, and how it would feel like if lives were switched. This story brings out the importance of caring for others. One does not know what others may go through or where their commute leads them to. This story only brings me more comfort and curiosity when going back out to the city.

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