When discussing the intersection of two of America’s most beloved and lauded poets, Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, the conversation frequently evolves from one of stark differences to one of greater similarities. Both Dickinson and Whitman belonged to the literary canon of the America’s pre-modernist period, in which authors shifted away from the strict, tightly-wound forms of classical writing and branched out into more expressive, free-flowing verses. Though their works differ in many ways, their stylistic approaches to writing have nearly everything in common, a trait often celebrated as a hallmark of their importance to the country’s literary history.
In comparing Dickinson and Whitman’s works, it is evident that their universal respect for the power of language is shared between the pair. Each poet believed that words could capture essential truths that could not be expressed in any other form. They both applied a tenacious attention to its persuasiveness, letting the reader experience the intricacies and nuances of their tools. In particular, Whitman and Dickinson value the power of the poetic line, an element that purists argue is a substantial part of their literary legacy. In addition, in terms of their linguistic use, both writers responded to the changing nature of language, a feature that creates an analogous language choice in many respects.
On a broader level, both Dickinson and Whitman held a strong sense of celebration for the American spirit, an idea that was implemented into their works. While Whitman viewed a more unified model of the nation’s identity, Dickinson sees the country as a collection of its many differing elements, including the voices of those who were traditionally silenced by the system. Moreover, both poets used titles drawn from nature to express their ideas, suggestive of the joy of the human experience when interacting with the environment.
While Dickinson and Whitman’s works reflect their distinct positions within their society, both ultimately put forward a humane outlook and a commitment to thinking. For example, both poets questioned the status quo of the period, using their words to challenge cultural conventions and motifs. In addition, their works depicted humanity as something that could rise above and look beyond the constraints of arbitrary divisions of class, race and gender. By addressing and scrutinizing social issues, Whitman and Dickinson demonstrate their appreciation for the individual and individual freedom, thereby subtly highlighting the connection between human and nature.
Overall, while Dickinson and Whitman’s writing styles differ in many respects, their commitment to the art of written expression is as distinctive as each poet’s unique vision. They share a respect for the power that language can bring, each of them attempting to convey certain truths in their writing. Moreover, a sense of celebration for the pure, instinctive joy of humanity is seen in both the works of each poet, even as they were reshaping the boundaries of what literature could accomplish.
The Structure of their Writings
When comparing their literary works, it is distinct that Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman employ their own unique approach and response to the written language. In general, they tended to craft their poesy with unprecedented spontaneousness and fluidity, often blending customary poetic devices with unorthodox ones. Dickinson’s works, in particular, have a unique rhythmic structure characterized by short lines and abrupt enjambment, creating rich works that push the boundaries of traditional utilization of versification. Meanwhile, Whitman typically crafted his poetry with looser verse forms, with lines that flowed and ebbed with an almost melodic consistency, culminating in pleasurable, memorable works.
Despite their varying tactics, both Dickinson and Whitman understood that rhythm and flow were essential components of form and content, both in the individual poem itself as well as in the larger, more ambitious works. Lines from both authors are interspersed with caesuras and alliteration, which highlight thematic elements and convey emotive layers of meaning. At the same time, their sense of meter and pattern depends upon their writing style and the emotions they are trying to express. Ultimately, their literary works invoke the full potential of language and its power to convey sentiment.
Themes
Shared between the two American poets is their thematic concern with life, death, and the natural world. Dickinson’s works are often infused with a deeply personal spirituality, exploring the complex inner-workings of her mind and her philosophical musings of religiosity, while Whitman’s works focus on American democratic ideals and a call to action to embrace a higher purpose. He often spoke of brotherhood, public infrastructure, and furthering the nation’s prosperity.
Notably, the two authors may place their themes within distinct settings, with Whitman often taking a broad, panoramic scope of the country in his poems and Dickinson seeing things from a more enclosed, introspective perspective. However, Dickinson and Whitman both take notice of death’s omnipresence, its arbitrariness, and its way of leveling humanity to something essential and immutable. The two writers agree on death’s power to unify, despite the insurmountable differences of race, gender, and class.
The natural world also appears frequently within their works, a poetic device that draws a line connecting their works and further speaks to the idea of human unification. Dickinson and Whitman both frequently used birds, flowers, bugs, and other wildlife as emblems of their respective themes. Dickinson’s works are often derived from her intimate relationship with nature and her connection to the sublime natural world, while Whitman took direct influence from the powerful sight of a vast, unchanging sea.
The Impact of their Writings
The lasting reverberations of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman’s literary works can still be felt in the cultural industry today. Often credited with paving the way for the modernist literary movement, both authors have left a sizable mark on the American literary tradition. Dickinson’s eccentric metaphorical compositions and Whitman’s free-verse poetic musings evoke a unique era in literature, much of which is still present in the compositions of today’s poets.
As a result of the current cultural landscape, elements of Dickinson and Whitman’s style often appear in other art forms as well. Writers and songwriters have been heavily influenced by the thought-provoking works of both authors. Moreover, Whitman’s cascading adjective-fueled idioms and Dickinson’s starkly juxtaposed lyricism have become pervasive in popular media. Without a doubt, the two authors are among the most influential American authors since the start of the twentieth century.
Interpretations of their Writings
Reading the works of Dickinson and Whitman requires patience and profound contemplation. It is imperative to remember that both poets heavily rely on implicit meanings, carefully woven in and out of their respective poems. While the literature of the modern era may commonly draw the reader to a direct conclusion, the poetry of Dickinson and Whitman is subtle and, at times, elusive in its declarations. Such a technique speaks to the authors’ underlying intention to not only raise awareness of certain issues and/or provide a moralistic lesson, but to inextricably allow readers to draw their own interpretations and conclusions, inspiring and provoking thought.
In sum, while interpretations of their works may differ it is still undeniable that both Dickinson and Whitman remain pillars of American literature, providing us with poignant and provocative reflections of the period and inspiring generations of writers. It is the unique combination of Dickinson and Whitman’s views on life, death, and the natural world, blended with their virtually unparalleled use of language and form, that carve their place in literary history. In this regard, their works remain classic examples of the transformative power of pre-modernist writing.
Cultural Relevance
The works of Dickinson and Whitman remain relevant and culturally distinct even in today’s society. From the smallest towns to the largest of cities, America’s reverence for its authors is seen in the proliferation of their works within the public school system, the rise of both mainstream and independent publishers, the increasing demand for offline and online literary events and festivals, and the urgent calls for higher accessibility to literature and literature-related content. In short, the veneration that Dickinson and Whitman have built across generations of readers remains as strong, if not stronger, than any other close to the country’s literary history.
What makes their literary works so relevant and timeless is their ability to capture human experience and emotions. Dickinson and Whitman’s works have touched the lives of readers and continue to resonate with the innermost feelings and emotions of the readers. This effect certainly reflects the genius of both authors, who have displayed an incredible talent to speak to a wide spectrum of humanity, inspiring readers and leaving a mark that has been lasting for decades.
Adaptations
In recent years, the public perception of Whitman and Dickinson’s works has been elevated by a variety of adaptations, films, and other media forms. Responsible for bringing life to the authors’ works are a host of new and upcoming directors, producers, actors, and writers. These retellings, such as Kenneth Branagh’s Emmy-winning feature film adaptation of Emily Dickinson’s poetry, provide a powerful insight into the lives and works of these authors while also inspiring audiences to dig deeper into their personal collections.
Adaptations of Dickinson and Whitman’s works have also been prevalent in the world of theater and visual arts. Off-Broadway productions have featured Whitman and Dickinson’s works, and theatrical performances have used the poets as a basis for improvisational and creative undertakings. Visual interpretations such as drawings and paintings have been inspired by the authors’ works. These unique forms of art have further set the authors apart as part of American’s collective national identity.
Finally, the YouTube generation is helping to spread the manuscripts of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman far and wide. Online platforms now host daily readings and beautiful recordings of these works. Podcasts dedicated to the authors and also providing commentary on their works have also seen promising growth in popularity. With the authors’ advice still applicable in today’s world, the present passion for their works will carry on for many more years to come.
