Democracy as a Means of Progress
Whitman is an advocate for democracy. He emerges from the Civil War with an attitude in opposition to complacency. Having witnessed the threat which division posed to the budding democracy of America, he concludes that the single greatest threat against democracy is individualism. This is not to say that he rejects individualism altogether, merely that he views the responsibility of the author as one of unity. He's interested in the success and thriving of the nation, so he views his art with sacred commision. He desires contemporary authors and political figures to match his enthusiasm and goals, but he acknowledges that all too many of them seem to be stuck in an Old World mindset or have fallen into the trap of competition. In Whitman's eyes, only true democracy, as the voice of a united people, will transform the American landscape into an ideal nation.
Changing Economics
Much of Whitman's critical thought is sparked by the rapidly changing economic environment of the U.S. during the Reconstruction Era. Amid booming agricultural technology and rapid land expansion on the frontier, numerous new economic opportunities arise. Immediately following a civil war, these changes are received with mixed reviews. Some people appear desperate to capitalize on expansion and to run from the problems of the past. Others fall prey to the competitive mindset, adopting an "us vs. them" perspective. The changes on the heels of great bloodshed seem to have surprised everyone. All of a sudden the sun has emerged, but Whitman warns that these opportunities can be misused if people refuse to cooperate toward progress.
Literature as a Means of Public Conviction
Whitman believes that the solution to the problem of attitude in his America is literary. He calls for artists, authors, and especially poets to advocate for unity under democratic ideals. As an artist, Whitman believes his responsibility and that of his colleagues is to help the public make steps toward progress. He takes this seriously, advocating for more political discourse in the form of poetry. He wants the common man to have access both to art and to democratic instruction in an attempt to spark greater national unity. Rather than fight among one another, the people should cooperate, says Whitman. Adherence to democratic principles will ensure ethical and ideal progress.
