American literature of the 19th century was both socially and politically charged, changing the way people saw their country and its values. At the forefront of this movement was Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, the two most iconic and influential poets of the period. Both from different parts of America, Whitman from New York and Dickinson from Massachusetts, they held to their own style of writing, depicting contemporary injustices and celebrating the beauty of life and nature.
When looking back over their works, it is easy to tell that there were two major aspects that shone through; unique themes inspired by American culture and a less traditional approach to structure and format. American culture had previously been largely rooted in traditional British style, with tightly bound descriptions and formats of writing. Whitman and Dickinson, however, introduced a sense of unpredictability and freedom in their poems. These two poets became pioneers in the Romanticist movement, becoming America’s first two most prominent writers of their time.
Whitman is most well-known for his poems in Leaves of Grass, a collection published in various editions from 1855 all the way through 1891. Unlike many other poets, Whitman’s free-flowing writing, his “long rhythmic lines”, formed distinctly long sentences and paragraphs (which were out of the ordinary for that time period). He preferred to portray the emotions and ideas of his era organically, often emphasizing man’s search for “self-discovery and authenticity” and allowing himself to express his individualistic beliefs in a very new way.
Emily Dickinson, on the other hand, was rather secretive about her poetry and often, it wasn’t even published until her death in 1886. She was more traditional in her wording, sticking to shorter sentences, capitalized nouns and the occasional use of more figurative language in the form of metaphors and similes. Yet, her works are still considered to be “revolutionary”, as she addressed taboo topics such as mental illness and death in her poems. Dickinson often focused on creating a very personal connection with her readers by evoking strong emotions, making her work timeless and intriguing.
Altogether, the works of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson have indeed had an immense impact on American literature. By introducing a new style of writing and addressing pressing topics of the past, they have set the foundation for what American poetry is today. The two beloved poets are an example of how art can transform traditional values, by incorporating a melodic, explorative and emotive language.
The Societal Implications of Their Work
The significance of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson’s poetry didn’t just end at the surface level but eventually made its way into societal discourse. The works of the poets tackled a number of issues affecting the American public, such as the lack of freedoms, the growing divisions between classes, and the differences between the North and South. This type of writing brought attention to these matters in a respectful yet instructive manner, forcing the public to consider these matters. Eventually it began to influence political dialogue and allowed for more open discussions on philosophical topics.
When taking a closer look at the issues addressed by Whitman and Dickinson, issues such as “equality, freedom, and political organization” stand out. These themes were predominant among both poets and reflected the need for a new form of organization that focused on individual rights. This particular era was a stepping stone in American history, taking strides towards a modern version of democracy that we now recognize today.
Through their poetry, Whitman and Dickinson set out to bring these topics to our attention and push us to think differently. They used their unique styles of writing to emphasize their points in a creative way, allowing readers to latch onto these themes and truly reflect on their impact. This provided a platform for exploration into how society was changing, reflecting the matters at hand and providing a groundwork for the values of our own time.
The Impact of Whitman and Dickinson in Subsequent Generations
The works of Whitman and Dickinson have had an immense and lingering impact on poets of later generations. The two icons of the Civil War era established a foundation of free-spirited writing, focusing on topics considered taboo in the 19th century. Without their influence on the evolving American culture, it is likely that literature and poetry would have been restricted to a more traditional structure.
Whitman’s celebrated “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” series is a grand example of taking risks, pushing the boundaries of writing and providing a new perspective. Dickinson’s essays “I died for beauty” and “Fr
