Walt Whitman and Odysseus Elytis: Beyond Being and Time is an analysis and interpretation of Walt Whitman and Odysseus Elytis's body of work in general and The Axion Esti and 'Song of Myself,' in particular. Through the use of extensive research, the work suggests that there is a common ground that Whitman and Elytis share, that is to say, their philosophy on language and poetry. The study also examines and defines Americanness and Greekness and what they mean to each poet. Since their country of origin is much more than a birthright, identity and a sense of belonging are pertinent to both poets' work. It further argues, through the use of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari's paradigm, that Elytis and Whitman are major poets who write in a minor language. Additionally, existentialism, metaphysics, authenticity and truth have been of great importance to both poets. As a result, Transcendentalist and Surrealist ideals, the role and the importance of the poet in society help to illuminate and formulate a new interpretation of The Axion Esti and 'Song of Myself.'