1. A New American Poetry: Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson Lit Book pg. 342

2. Walt Whitman Walt Whitman (1819-1892) His personality: Gregarious and outgoing Self-published, made himself famous during his lifetime Expected fame and glory (and got it) Patriotic, celebrate universal brotherhood “I celebrate myself, and sing myself.” His poetry: Public speech Extravagant with words Careless with repetition, lists, and self- contradiction Cadence: long easy sweep of sound Free verse: poetry without rhyme or meter

3. Emily Dickinson Emily Dickinson ( 1830-1886) Her personality: Shy and reserved Published few of her 1800 poems during her lifetime Expected nothing to come from her poems Famous after her death “I'm Nobody! Who are you? Are you – Nobody – too?” Her poetry: Private observation Meticulous and economical Evoked the feelings of things (but didn’t always name them) Carefully chosen diction Specific rhyme and meter (based on hymns)

4. Did they have anything in common? Yes! Both poets: Were born/lived in 19 th Century New England Were close observers of people and daily lives Were influenced by nature Influenced future poets with their respective modes of expression (public speech and private observation) Were uniquely American