Early Years and Formative Influences
Widely considered one of the most influential poets in history, Walt Whitman was born in West Hills, Long Island, on May 31, 1819 to a Quaker family. Walt was a nature lover and spent much of his life roaming the untamed wilderness of America. His early years were spent on his father’s farm, where he developed a deep love for animals, plants, and the environment. He was exposed to a variety of cultural influences, and literary figures, including Emerson and Voltaire, who strongly influenced his writings.
At an early age, Walt was determined to pursue a career of writing and he often wrote day and night, claiming his most productive hours were between 11 pm and 3 am. Whitman was also an avid reader who enjoyed authors such as Shakespeare, Milton, and Goethe, among others. The works of these writers helped shape his own views on life and his approach towards poetry.
Although he received minimal formal education, Whitman was highly intelligent and an autodidact. He taught himself Latin and Greek, along with the works of English poets. This self-education likely helped shape his unique style and attitude towards life, which is evident in his writing.
Religious Beliefs
Walt Whitman, who was born into a Quaker family, held unorthodox religious views on topics such as heaven, life, and death. He was deeply spiritual, believing in innate goodness and a greater force that was divine and greater than the individual human.
Whitman did not believe in an ordered religion, structured mainly around concepts of a single God. He thought of Religion to be a more humanistic concept of appreciating life, delving beyond just the physical world. Instead, for Whitman, life was about understanding the accumulated essence of humanity, and living with personal fulfilment.
This philosophy can be seen in his poetic works, which often ponder the mysteries of life, death, and the universe. For example, he wrote: “All goes onward and outward, nothing collapses…/ The divine ship sails the divine sea.”
The Civil War
Whitman is closely associated with the Civil War, a time of intense upheaval that left a lasting impression on the poet. He volunteered as a nurse and later became a documentarian of the battles, both in poems and prose. His work on the battlefields gave him an insight into the depths of human suffering and the true cost of war.
The war also influenced his perception of himself, as he believed it brought out his best qualities and enabled him to perfect his craft. He wrote a series of poems called ‘Drum-Taps’, dedicated to the men and women who fought during the war.
Whitman used his work as means of mobilising and uniting people during a time of extreme conflict. His writings magnified the human condition, in an effort to bring together the Union and Confederacy. In his poem ‘Down to the In the Grave I Saw a Pale Horseman’, he wrote “If there be sorrow, then will I be sorrowful; /If there be drooping, then will I share the suffering”
Whitman as a Political Figure
Walt Whitman is often hailed as an important figure in the political sphere. He advocated for several progressive causes, including the abolition of slavery and death penalty. He was an outspoken critic of capital punishment, often referring to it as ‘carnage’.
He believed in a more holistic approach towards justice and sought to bring about reform through his writings. He often wrote about the evils of slavery and capital punishment, warning of their moral and psychological implications on society. In his poem “On the Beach,” he wrote “The greatest lesson is humanity, and that is true, / There are no helplessly wicked creatures”.
Whitman was also a fierce advocate for democracy, believing in the importance of free speech and equal rights. He frequently wrote about the need to oppose oppressive governments, in an effort to promote human rights and freedom.
Whitman’s politics were, in many ways, ahead of his time. He argued for the rights of women and homosexuals at a time when such progressive ideas were dismissed by society. His thought-provoking and inspirational works pushed the boundaries of his era, inspiring generations of writers and activists.
Work as a Poet
Walt Whitman is widely regarded as one of the most influential poets of his time. His works often explore themes such as love, death, nature, and the human experience, in a vivid and captivating way. He was an innovative free-verser and his writing has inspired a range of poets, including Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost.
Whitman wrote with an eclectic mix of styles and tones, often combining philosophical thought with common observations. He is particularly acclaimed for his ability to capture important aspects of the human experience, particularly during times of unrest. His works are often seen as moving and informative spiritual guides, written to inspire and enlighten readers.
Throughout his lifetime, Whitman won numerous awards and accolades for his work. His poetry is often regarded as timeless and transcendent, impacting readers two centuries after his death.
Legacy and Influence
Walt Whitman left behind an impressive and lasting legacy. His works remain some of the most influential pieces of literature in history, inspiring generations of writers and commentators. is groundbreaking contribution to literature, politics, and spirituality has gone down as legendary.
His work continues to be taught in schools and universities around the world, and his influence is still felt across a range of fields. He has been recognized for his persona and works in various countries, including the United States, where a number of locations have been named after him.
In short, though Walt Whitman has passed away, his works and legacy continue to live on. His thought-provoking messages are still relevant even in today’s society. This is evidence of his profound impact and lasting legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time.
Conclusion
Walt Whitman was a brilliant and influential poet, as well as a firm advocate for progressive causes. His unique vision and forward-thinking attitude led to remarkable works, which continue to captivate readers even today. His highly unconventional views, particularly surrounding religion and politics, earned him lasting reverence. His work and politics serve as a portrait of the era, and are timeless reminders of the potential of human creativity and the power of words.
