Early Life of Walt Whitman
Walter Whitman, better known as Walt Whitman was born on May 31, 1819 in West Hills, Long Island, New York. His father was a strict Quaker, who owned a carpenter’s shop and his mother was a devout follower of the family’s faith. Growing up in an open-minded family, Walt and his siblings were encouraged to read different books, newspapers and magazines and were exposed to American authors such as Longfellow and Cooper.
At the age of 11, Walt began to write verses inspired by the works of Cooper and Longfellow. Here, he cultivated and perfected his writing skills. His love of words and language caused Whitman to continue writing, even when his interests shifted to learning the trade of carpentry.
Walt Whitman’s Early Literary Ventures
In his early 20s, Walt published a short-lived sensationalist newspaper,The Long Islander. Here, he began to experiment with his linguistic and literary capabilities, writing articles and publications. In 1841, Whitman produced the book, ”Leaves of Grass”, which was the first poetry collection he had ever published, and the book received wide acclaim from the public.
His works became renowned for its imaginative vision, eccentricity, and sometimes occasional vulgarity. This, combined with his additional three versions of Leaves of Grass published in 1860, 1867 and 1876, meant that his work was now seen as a great American literary classic. Additionally, Walt Whitman was now credited as the ‘father of free verse poetry.’
Recognition of Walt Whitman’s Work
Not only were his literary works widely praised, many readers also adopted Whitman’s manner and style as a model for their own work. Furthermore, throughout his lifetime Whitman was recognised by some of the most influential scientific and literary figures of the time, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, who was an avid supporter of Leaves of Grass.
In 1856 Walt moved to Brooklyn and started editing and assisting on the Union newspaper. Here, he wrote several popular war-time articles and published six poems, catapulting the poet to fame. It was at this stage in his life that he experienced his first bout of fame, with poets such as Emerson becoming infatuated with Whitman’s work.
Impact of Walt Whitman’s Work
It is not possible to underestimate the impact that Walt Whitman’s work had on both literature and culture. His use of lighthearted and creative stories and poems, ranging from love and politics to death and life, allowed many individuals to view the world in a different tone. This eventually extended to the masses as Whitman’s works became increasingly accessible due to its translation into other languages.
The influence that his post-Civil War writings had on poetry, as well as his literary influence on Ernest Hemmingway and D.H Lawrence can still be traced to this day. In addition to this, Walt’s contribution to the abolition of slavery through his popular collection of writings and poems made him completely incomparable within the literary world.
Later Life of Walt Whitman
Throughout the rest of his life, Whitman stayed in Brooklyn in his small, modest home, traveling quite a bit to different lectures and readings of his work. Around 1888, Whitman began to show signs of illness and his doctor diagnosed him with what is now believed to be a form of Parkinson’s disease. It was here that Whitman’s prose shifted in its focus towards mortality, suggesting that he was preparing for his own death.
After receiving nominations for several literary awards and continuing to write, Walt Whitman died on March 26, 1922 in Camden, New Jersey at the age of 72. His funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including former members of President Lincoln’s cabinet and Governor of New Jersey. A few days after his death, Whitman’s funeral procession moved to Harleigh Cemetery, where his burial sites still stand today.
Legacy of Walt Whitman
As one of the most influential figures in American literature and a key figure within the ‘Fireside’ period of American culture, Walt Whitman remains a celebrated figure, even after his death. Numerous works have been dedicated to his legacy, and he is regularly remembered for his impressive literary works. Even now, Whitman’s 17th edition of Leaves of Grass is seen as a classic piece of American literature and an invaluable contribution to the world of poetry.
Influence of Walt Whitman on Future Poets
Whitman’s style and vision had an immense impact on future poets and current literature. His use of pure and honest language, his use of multiple voices, and his ability to look at literature through different lenses changed the audience and outlook of poetry. Many writers throughout history have learnt or been heavily inspired by his works, such as Robert Frost, Louise Bogan, T.S. Eliot, Allen Ginsberg, and Jack Kerouac.
Moreover, Whitman’s influence on innovators of free verse, such as William Carlos Williams, Carl Sandburg and Charles Reznikoff, as well as his influence on the Harlem Renaissance and various Beat poets, is undeniable. Without Whitman, many contemporary poets would not have been able to explore the style of poetry that exists today.
Famous Quotes by Walt Whitman
Within his lifetime, Whitman was celebrated for his work, with many considering him a ‘national treasure’. He also produced many famous quotes and passages that exemplify the spirit and mentality of the poet. Famous quotes by Walt Whitman include ”“I exist as I am, that is enough””, ”“The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people””, and ”“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.”.
These famous quotes differ in their topics and messages, but they are all beloved by many individuals today and have inspired generations of writers and poets. Furthermore, they symbolize the core messages that Walt Whitman wanted to communicate, demonstrating the genius and timelessness of the poet’s works.
Walt Whitman’s Place in American History
Walt Whitman’s work is considered an important part of American culture for numerous reasons. His works encapsulated the American experience of his era, providing an honest and creative take on politics, love, death, and life—topics central to the future of American literature and poetry. His works also inspired other authors, with novels and books being dedicated to him and his life’s works.
Throughout his literary career, Whitman’s work shifted and evolved, being constantly subjected to a variety of different interpretations and new visions. From being condemned for its occasional vulgarity, to becoming a national treasure, the lasting influence of the poet will remain in the hearts and minds of generations to come.
