When assessing Abraham Lincoln in relation to Walt Whitman, there is one underlying theme that is present: admiration and respect. Whitman admired Lincoln respectfully and unequivocally—the impact that the former president had on America was irresistible to the famous poet. Throughout his life and work, Whitman used Lincoln as a symbol of democracy and a torch bearer of opportunity that any man could reach for—no matter their origin.
So, it’s no surprise that he held Lincoln in such high regard, forever remembering him in many of his works. For example, in Whitman’s language, Lincoln was remembered as a man of courage and vision; a real king of men. He used words like “majestic” and “grandeur” to describe the man in several of his works, praising his intelligence and leadership in equal measure.
Perhaps the greatest ode to Lincoln came in 1863, in the form of Whitman’s work Drum-Taps. This collection saw Whitman reach an emotional high, praising Lincoln in his poem ‘Reconciliation’. Here, he rewards Lincoln’s patience, wisdom and fairness by heralding him as a leader of men who was able to unite a divided nation.
Along with Whitman’s support of Lincoln, the famous poet often made a point to express his admiration for the leader in a public setting. During a speaking engagement for Lincoln, for example, Whitman expressed his feelings in a passionate speech. Noting that he viewed Lincoln as a true leader—the type uncommonly seen in the world—Whitman expressed his appreciation and further cemented his belief in Lincoln’s unifying ability.
As if this admiration was not enough, at the turn of the century, Whitman began writing the poem ‘O Captain! My Captain!’ This poem was the poet’s way of properly expressing his feelings of admiration and respect towards the late president. Through ‘O Captain! My Captain!’, Whitman expressed his profound sorrow at the death of his hero and mayor—a hero that had guided America through a difficult time in its history. Here, he expressed the heavy toll taken on America’s Civil War, and his admiration for the commander-in-chief who managed to steady the ship until the end.
Whitman’s Last Tribute to Lincoln
Finally, in Whitman’s last tribute to Lincoln, he penned a short poem that was featured in the 22nd edition of Leaves of Grass. This poem, titled ‘Hush’d Be the Camps To-night’, was the poet’s salute to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The poem speaks of the shock felt at the news of the President’s death, and serves as a moment of silence and mourning for a president whose death seemed to eclipse all of the American nation.
Overall, it can be seen that Whitman had great respect and admiration for Abraham Lincoln.Throughout his works and words, Whitman considered Lincoln to be a man of courage and wisdom, one who unified a divided nation and looked out for the greater good.The emotion and admiration expressed by Whitman prove that, to him, Lincoln was not just a president, but a hero and an icon that lifted the nation to its highest potential.
Whitman’s Favored Heroism of Lincoln
For Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln represented a figure of heroic proportions. His words as a poet personified this sense of admiration and admiration for the 16th United States President. As mentioned, Whitman didn’t just honor Abraham Lincoln for being a leader, but for his selfless acts of bravery and sacrifice — qualities that the poet certainly valued.
These heroic qualities were highlighted in Whitman’s poem “O Captain!”, which was an ode to the Captain of his beloved vessel — the United States of America. This poem, written shortly after Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, mourns the death of a leader who had served and died for his country — something that Whitman respected deeply.
Yet there was more to these poems than merely mourning the loss of a great leader. Whitman also praised Lincoln’s courage, resilience and strength — elements of leadership that the poet found admirable. Through his words, Whitman sought to give Lincoln the legacy he felt he deserved — one of a leader who was brave and willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure America’s continued success.
Therefore, it can be said that Walt Whitman admired and respected President Abraham Lincoln, not only for his leadership, but for his heroic feats of courage as well. Throughout his works, Whitman tried to immortalize, in words, a leader who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Symbolism of The “Death of Lincoln”
For Walt Whitman, the death of Abraham Lincoln – and its impact upon the country – was highly symbolic. The loss of their leader was not just a tragedy, but a symbol of the insurmountable courage and strength of a nation. This interpretation of the aftermath of Lincoln’s death was expressed through one of Whitman’s most celebrated verses, which starts with the lines “O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done.”
In essence, the Captain here is a metaphor for the leader who had guided the nation through a difficult time – Abraham Lincoln. The sailor’s journey had ended, through what Whitman referred to as a ‘fearful trip’. This indicates the idea that the journey (or the Civil War, in this case) was one that had taken a lot of courage and suffering; an idea encapsulated in the line ‘the prize we sought is won’.
In this way, the poem is a symbolic tribute to the man who had helped steer the country through the tough times. It was a metaphor of a nation in mourning, a nation paying its respects to the man who had been a beacon of hope and a guide in dark times. In the words of this poem, we can see Whitman’s admiration for the leader he had held in such high regard.
Reception of Whitman’s Work
It is safe to say that Whitman was successful in conveying his admiration for Abraham Lincoln through his works—or at least his goal of offering the man a respectful tribute. The reception of these poems was in no small part due to the stirring emotions that they evoke. Grief, sorrow, pride, courage—these were all emotions that Whitman’s work was able to trick the reader into feeling.
Perhaps it is this emotion that allowed Whitman’s works to reach such a wide readership. Even those who had never read Whitman before were able to identify with the sentiments that the poet had so eloquently expressed. Among these readers were many who had never even met Abraham Lincoln—and yet they could still feel the strong emotions in their hearts.
Additionally, it is also important to recognize that Whitman was able to use imagery and symbolism to really bring his words to life. Through the use of these techniques, he was able to draw upon the ‘universal appeal’ of the subjects he wrote about (in this case, Abraham Lincoln). Thus, Whitman was able to take his words beyond English-speaking circles and reach a much wider audience.
Conclusion
The role of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was certainly a monumental one. He was a figure whose impact was felt beyond the presidency and across the entire nation. And for Walt Whitman, he was a leader who commanded admiration and respect. Through his works, Whitman not only paid homage to Lincoln, but also praised the courage and determination that had been displayed during some of the country’s most trying times.
As a result, it is clear why Whitman had such a great respect for Abraham Lincoln. Not only did he see him as an icon of democracy and of opportunity, but he also credited him with uniting a divided nation and guiding them through difficult times. To Whitman, Lincoln was a hero and an icon that inspired the nation to greatness. Such admiration is hard to find, and it is certain that Whitman’s appreciation of Abraham Lincoln will live on far beyond this poet’s lifetime.
