Childhood and Early Career
Walt Whitman was born on May 31st 1819, in West Hills, Long Island. He was the second of nine children born to Walter and Louisa Van Velsor Whitman. His father, who was a carpenter, and mother ran a small farm. Growing up, Whitman spent time developing an understanding of nature, and it would influence his writing later in life. He attended school rarely, and learned mostly through extensive reading and exchanges with neighbors. At the age of 11, he left school to work as an office boy for a Brooklyn newspaper, followed by a job in a printing house. Whitman also started writing poems and stories to be printed in the newspaper and worked as a schoolmaster for some months.
Publishing Career
In 1838 Whitman moved to New York City and worked as a journalist and editor for many different newspapers. During this time, he also developed plans for a new kind of book that he was to call Leaves of Grass. Construction of the book began in 1855, and the initial edition contained only 12 volumes. By the fourth edition, which contained 33 volumes, Whitman had earned national recognition for this work. He was soon considered to be one of the greatest writers in America. In 1892, the fifth edition contained over 450 volumes and was his last released while he was still alive.
Later Life and Legacy
Whitman was allegedly homosexual, although he never publicly acknowledged it. He did, however, express great displeasure at the limitations of conventional marriage and instead built relationships with several younger men throughout his career. Today, he is considered to be one of the key figures in the transcendentalist movement and his influence on modern poetry is undeniable. He became known for his free verse style and his exploration of the American experience. He transcended traditional language conventions and allowed his seemingly eclectic and radical thoughts to flow freely through his poems. He died on March 26th, 1892 in Camden, New Jersey.
Political Activism
Whitman was an ardent abolitionist and a supporter of the Union Cause during the Civil War. He was a staunch believer in the expansion of democracy and free speech. His views on civil rights for all citizens and liberty for the oppressed were so strong, that he even joined the Free Soil Party. During the war, he worked as a nurse in hospitals near the front and wrote a series of articles that denounced slavery and racism. He praised the Union soldiers and officers for their dedication to justice. His power in rhetoric earned him the respect of soldiers on both sides.
Writing Style
Whitman had no formal training in literature and instead cultivated his writing skills by reading extensively. He embraced the idea of combining prose and poetry and wrote extensively to celebrate American life and the natural world. He wrote with a bold, passionate and honest voice and experimented with various styles and tones. Despite drawing from a variety of sources, his writing generally transcended the boundaries of reality and become more universal. He was able to connect the reader to unseen dimensions and emotional triggers by playing with the language.
Influence on Today’s Society
Whitman’s poetry continues to be read and studied today and his influence can still be felt in modern literature and culture. Despite writing over a century ago, many of his ideas can be seen relevant today, especially his philosophy of freedom and his embrace of nature. He is a great reminder of the capabilities of humans to think and feel beyond the confines of society and examine the deeper questions about our lives.
Relationships with Other Writers
Whitman had many influential works, as well as significant relationships with other writers and poets throughout his lifetime. He befriended several key figures in the literary world, such as William Douglas O’Connor, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Sarah Helen Whitman. His work has also been connected with writers including Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman’s work was known to be influenced by the ideas of other writers. His style of writing has proven to be influential to many poets and writers, and continues to be a great source of inspiration to this day.
Influence on American Literature
Whitman’s artwork has left an indelible mark on American literature. He is known for breaking traditional conventions and expanding American poetry by introducing free verse and focusing on themes such as democracy, freedom and spirituality. He also addressed issues such as race and sexuality that were rarely discussed at the time. His works were seen as controversial and he was even labelled a ‘filthy free thinker’. His work has become a cornerstone for American poetry and a major influence for modern literature.
Influence on Pop Culture
The influence of Whitman’s poetry can be seen throughout pop culture, with references to his work appearing in films, books, TV shows, and music. He has been referenced by artists such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, as well as movies such as ‘GoodWill Hunting’. In recent popular culture, his poem ‘O Captain! My Captain!’ was adapted by the popular indie-folk band, The Decemberists, into the song ‘The June Hymn’. His poems continue to inspire people in many different ways, and his influence continues to be felt through artistic expression.
