Walt Whitman further develops the idea of heroism and the common man in his poem "I Hear America Singing." He uses the metaphor of singing to represent the positive contributions to society made by the common citizens of American. Whitman writes, "The varied carols I hear,/those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be/blithe and strong." He continues to list everyday jobs in which workers are singing, including "the carpenter," "the shoemaker," and "the mother." Every member of society, no matter how insignificant he or she may seem, plays an important role and has the potential to be a heroic figure. Whitman asserts that "each singing what belongs to him or her and none else" for these common members of society have the chance to be heroic once they are strongly identified. These individuals learn how to be independent and grow from the struggle of achieving a dream; throughout this process he or she acquires a "tragic flaw," a defining feature that drives the individual to defend his or her dignity. The ideal American Characters embrace the tragic impulse and become extraordinary despite their common backgrounds by "singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs."