How Old Was Walt Whitman When He Died

Background Information

Walt Whitman was a poet, essayist, journalist, and humanist, who was born on May 31, 1819. He is considered to be one of the most important American poets of all time, who significantly influenced and changed the way poetry was thought of and written about in the 19th century. His most famous poem was “Leaves of Grass” in 1855, which was praised for its innovative language and radical ideas. He was fascinated by the natural world and wrote plenty of poems about the human experience, love, and nature. Throughout his life, he wrote numerous books and articles for newspapers and magazines, and he also worked in government offices as a clerk. Whitman is recognized as one of the most influential and controversial writers of his time.

Relevant Data

Walt Whitman was 72 years old when he passed away on March 26, 1892 in Camden, New Jersey. He was buried in a self-made tomb in Harleigh Cemetery in Camden. Prior to his death, he was suffering from a variety of illnesses such as pleurisy, a lung disorder, and strokes. He was treated in different hospitals and homes in New Jersey throughout his final days, but he eventually succumbed to his ailments.

Perspectives from Experts

Experts say that Walt Whitman was a champion for freethinking and individualism. He was a radical poet who highlighted his own philosophy on life, which was often controversial. He wrote about a variety of topics from nature and political issues to sexuality and death. His criticism of religion and politics were met with criticism from the public. He refused to censor himself despite the criticism, and he ultimately succeeded in redefining and revolutionizing American poetry.

Insights and Analysis

Walt Whitman’s life and works during his 72 years on this earth was a remarkable one. He believed in re-imagining poetry for the modern age and inspired countless other poets with his work. Despite the criticism of his radical views, he was determined to be true to himself and refused to compromise his authenticity in the face of pressure from society. He is seen as an inspiration for modern-day poets, who are following in his footsteps to create new and innovative works.

Educating and Engaging the Reader

Walt Whitman’s life was marked by tragedy and victory, struggles and accomplishments. He was determined to express his profound views on life and leave a lasting legacy through his works. He encouraged readers to think critically and expressed his views in a candid and emotional manner. He showed readers that it is possible to make a significant impression through honest expression and creativity. As readers dive deeper into his works, they will find his determination and his unwavering commitment to authentic living inspiring.

Using Advanced Grammatical Structures

Walt Whitman’s willingness to share his powerful and thought-provoking perspective through the written word remains captivating. His unique approach to writing, often hailed as one of the first forms of free verse, is a testament to his innate ability to create art that reflects his desire to illustrate profound meaning and insight. By utilizing various advanced grammatical structures, such as anaphora, Whitman’s writing exudes strength, a characteristic especially present in his renowned work “Leaves of Grass”.

Emotional Triggers

Reading Whitman’s works induces strong emotions for readers. The raw emotion in his words combined with an intense passion for truth, reveals the endless possibilities in life and the power of the written word. Writing can be an expression of tremendous strength, and Walt Whitman surely demonstrates this through his revolutionary works, including “I Sing the Body Electric”, a passionate poem that invokes feelings of love and admiration.

Using the Active Voice instead of the Passive Voice

In order to make his works more impactful and meaningful, Whitman turned towards the active voice. By vocalizing and delivering his ideas, it encourages readers to delve deeper into his thoughts and consider the implications. His persistent use of the active voice created an intense passion in his work that been felt by many – an undeniable showing of strength and an admiration of life.

Expanding on the Topic in Another 4 Sections

Depiction of Nature in his Writing

Walt Whitman was deeply inspired by nature, and this is especially evident in his writing. He wrote about nature in a way that resonated with readers and often related it to the human experience. His poems, such as “Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking” and “Song of the Open Road”, inspired readers to find beauty and solace in the natural world. The vastness of the universe often found its way into his works, highlighting the fragility and mysteriousness of life.

The Complexity of Whitman’s Themes

The complexity of Whitman’s themes is something that readers often find captivating in his works. Not only did he write about nature, but he also explored notions of romantic love, philosophy, mortality, human existence, and American identity. He teased out the nuances of these big topics and explored them in a way that was unique to him. As readers follow his journey, they often felt challenged to think critically and interpret his works in their own way.

Whitman’s Reflection on Death

One of the most prominent themes in Whitman’s works is death. Despite his many illnesses, he often sought to put death in a different light. He wrote about death in a reflective manner, utilizing persuasive metaphors and images in an attempt to seek comfort from an unpleasant inevitability. He wrote in a way that allowed him to fully explore his own mortality, a concept that often changed his views on life.

Impact of Whitman’s Legacy

Walt Whitman’s impact on American literature has been immense, even long after his death. Despite the criticism for his revolutionary works, he changed the way poetry was written and is credited for modernizing American poetry. He inspired generations of writers, who can look to him as a beacon of strength and leadership. His influence is still being felt today, as modern-day poets utilize his works as a springboard to create unique and powerful poetry.

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

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