Introduction to Walt Whitman AP English Lang. and Comp.

Walt Whitman (1819-1892) One of America’s most significant 19th century poets (along with Emily Dickinson) Often called the “Father of Free Verse” Free Verse: poetry that does not rhyme or have a regular meter Part of the Transcendental movement and transition into realism Celebrated democracy, nature, love, and friendship through his work; praised the dignity of the individual

Walt Whitman (1819-1892) Born on Long Island, New York to working class family Experienced formal education through age 11 (far more schooling than either of his parents received) As an autodidact, engaged in self-education Worked as a teacher, government clerk, journalist, essayist, and poet Volunteered during the American Civil War as a nurse

Whitman and Politics Generally opposed the expansion of slavery Poetry presented an egalitarian view of race However, attitude in life reflected many of the racial prejudices common to 19th century America Opposition to slavery not necessarily based on belief in the equality of races  Vacillated in beliefs – “Called for the abolition of slavery, but later saw the abolitionist movement as a threat to democracy” (“The Walt Whitman Encyclopedia: Racial Attitudes”)

Whitman’s Influence on American Poetry Broke the formal constraints of poetry by writing unrhymed, un-metrical pieces Stylistically innovative Believed work should be simple and that the individual should be at the center of his/her own universe (idea borrowed from Transcendentalists) Goal was to capture the “American voice”

Leaves of Grass (most notable work) Self-published in 1855; original collection of 12 untitled poems written in early 1850s Inspired by travels through America’s frontier and reading/study of Ralph Waldo Emerson Underwent numerous revisions as he added and revised poetry. 8 subsequent editions published during his lifetime Work was controversial for its time due to its sexual nature and unconventional style

Whitman as Voice of America Whitman writes about the Civil War and our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln “O Captain, My Captain!” – famous poem that laments the assassination of Lincoln Followed by many subsequent poems on Lincoln including “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d”

“I Hear America Singing” (1860) Historical Context America in 1860 was really “Two Americas” – north was industrialized and south was agrarian. Two different mindsets and attitudes Industrial Revolution changed the north (more railroads, factories, immigrants seeking employment, etc.). 90% of nation’s immigrants reside in the north (creation of ethnic neighborhoods) Election year (one of the more interesting political elections in U.S. history)

“I Hear America Singing” (1860) Historical Context New Republican party becoming a force (anti-expansion of slavery) North has more electoral votes (population of 22 million) versus south (9 million) Lincoln elected with 39.9% of popular vote (receives 180 out of 183 electoral votes in “free states”). South Carolina secedes from union one month later America is on the verge of war and change Makes this poem even more interesting as it attempts to unify the American voice

America in 1860