Who Was Walt Whitman?

Walt Whitman was a groundbreaking American poet and journalist who praised the common man and the American spirit of democracy.

Walt Whitman - American Poet

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Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman was a groundbreaking American poet and journalist who wrote in the second half of the nineteenth century. Whitman was born on May 31, 1819 to a large, working-class family. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, he had limited education as he joined the workforce to help support his family at a young age. Chiefly self-taught, he read widely and began a career of journalism at 21. In 1855, he self-published his first volume of poetry, Leaves of Grass. Though the collection received mixed reviews, he republished it eight times throughout his life, adding and editing poems for each new edition.

Whitman’s poetry received much criticism in its day due to his bold subject matter and untraditional style. To Whitman, however, this break from tradition was a reflection of nineteenth-century America’s democratic spirit. Writing in the midst of the great surge of westward migration, Whitman poetry is expansive and egalitarian. Often referred to as the “Bard of Democracy” Whitman stressed the beauty of America’s varied citizenry, praising people from all walks of life in his famous poem “I Hear America Singing”. The major events of the Civil War and Reconstruction are equally present in his works. Poems such as “O Captain! My Captain!” and “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” elegize President Abraham Lincoln, while “Beat! Beat! Drums!”, “A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Grey and Dim”, and many others capture the rhythm and sacrifice of war.

Whitman rejected the traditional meter and rhyme of his contemporaries and instead played with structure and form. He generally opted for free verse poems, made rhythmic through repetition and enumeration - repeated listings that lent his poetry an oratorical feel. He boldly wrote in the first person and confidently expressed emotions and realities both beautiful and unsavory. Whitman wrote repeatedly of the soul’s transcendence and the regenerative power of nature. In poems like “Song of Myself”, he praised the interconnectedness of all creation and addressed topics like fertility, love, and death with a sensuality that shocked many of his readers. Whitman’s innovative style changed the face of poetry and inspired a fundamental shift away from the traditional poetic forms of the previous centuries.

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Famous Works of Walt Whitman

• Leaves of Grass
• “Song of Myself”
• “Bard of Democracy”
• “I Hear America Singing”
• “O Captain! My Captain!”
• “Beat! Beat! Drums!”
• ”Pioneers! O Pioneers!”
• ”My Picture-Gallery”
• “A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Grey and Dim”
• ”When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer”
• “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d”
• ”There Was a Child Went Forth”

Frequently Asked Questions about Who Was Walt Whitman?

Who was Walt Whitman and why is he important?

Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist known for his influential work Leaves of Grass. He is important because he helped shape modern poetry and celebrated individual freedom and democracy.

What are the main themes in Walt Whitman's poetry?

Whitman's poetry explores nature, democracy, individuality, and the human spirit. He often wrote about the beauty of everyday life and the interconnectedness of all people.

Why is 'Leaves of Grass' considered a groundbreaking book?

Leaves of Grass is groundbreaking because Whitman broke away from traditional poetic forms, using free verse and celebrating common people. The book inspired future generations of writers with its bold style and themes.

How did Walt Whitman influence American literature?

Whitman influenced American literature by introducing free verse, focusing on everyday experiences, and encouraging writers to embrace their unique voices. His works are studied for their impact on poetry and culture.

What are some facts about Walt Whitman's life teachers can share with students?

Teachers can share that Whitman was born in 1819, worked as a teacher and nurse during the Civil War, and wrote poetry celebrating America. He promoted equality and believed in the power of words to inspire change.