Walt Whitman: Poems

Writing

Whitman, pictured at age 50 in 1869Whitman, portrait by Thomas Eakins in 1887

Whitman's work broke the boundaries of poetic form and is generally prose-like.[1] Its signature style deviates from the course set by his predecessors and includes "idiosyncratic treatment of the body and the soul as well as of the self and the other."[120] It uses unusual images and symbols, including rotting leaves, tufts of straw, and debris.[121] Whitman openly wrote about death and sexuality, including prostitution.[97] He is often labeled the father of free verse, though he did not invent it.[1]

Poetic theory

Whitman wrote in the preface to the 1855 edition of Leaves of Grass: "The proof of a poet is that his country absorbs him as affectionately as he has absorbed it." He believed there was a vital, symbiotic relationship between the poet and society.[122] He emphasized this connection especially in "Song of Myself" by using an all-powerful first-person narration.[123] An American epic, it deviated from the historic use of an elevated hero and instead assumed the identity of the common people.[124] Leaves of Grass also responded to the impact of rapid urbanization in the United States on the masses.[125]


This content is from Wikipedia. GradeSaver is providing this content as a courtesy until we can offer a professionally written study guide by one of our staff editors. We do not consider this content professional or citable. Please use your discretion when relying on it.