Emily Dickinson, who was born on December 10, 1830, is widely known for her unique and complex poem style. As an iconic poet of the 19th century, her influence has been far-reaching and her posthumous fame only continues to grow. Dickinson’s works explore themes of death, alienation, faith, and nature. In recent years, Dickinson has also been portrayed in popular culture, specifically in the tv show Dickinson on AppleTV+. In the show, Hailee Steinfeld plays Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman is portrayed by John Slattery.
John Slattery is a celebrated actor, producer, and director with a long and successful career in film, television, and theater. He has worked on projects like Ant-Man (2015), Spotlight (2016), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2018), and now Dickinson. Slattery was perfectly cast as Whitman, as his acting is both powerful and moving. He brings an appropriate amount of solemnity and gravitas to the role that befits the poet’s legacy.
Slattery impressively embodies the rebellious character of Whitman, who often experimented with new forms of poetry. Slattery deftly expresses Whitman’s revolutionary persona and his commitment to free-thinking. In the show, Whitman serves as a confidante and moral compass for Dickinson, as his poetry is a source of guidance and inspirational comfort. The two characters develop a sympathetic & deep bond over literature, which serves as an anchor in Dickinson’s tumultuous lifestyle.
Slattery’s portrayal of Whitman is an integral aspect of the show, as it is one of the few known physical representations of the poet. Joanna Leeder, a professor at Georgetown University and a leading Whitman scholar, says “The possibility of a visual image of Walt Whitman is something that hadn’t been done before. It was exciting to see John Slattery bring the physicality of Walt Whitman to life.”
In Dickinson, Whitman is depicted as a literary brother to Emily Dickinson. He encourages her to approach life with a more open-minded and daring attitude. Slattery’s Whitman is kind and affable, but also carries with him a wisdom and insight borne from having more life experience. He is a major source of strength for Dickinson, offering her guidance in seemingly anything.
The casting of Walt Whitman is an important factor in the comprehensive portrayal of the beloved poet Emily Dickinson. Slattery’s interpretation of Whitman is well-suited to understanding his presence within the show, as his interpretations to the character are perfect. His Whitman captures the sympathy and warmth needed to compliment Dickinson’s character.
Walt Whitman’s Popularity Today
Walt Whitman remains one of the most iconic poets of all-time. His work has been acclaimed around the world and his legacy is still very much present in literary circles. He was hugely influential during his lifetime and a major part of the American poetry movement. In modern times, Whitman is still widely celebrated for his contributions to poetry and his unique, complex approach to the craft.
Today, Whitman is discussed in classrooms, universities and of course, in television shows such as Dickinson. Additionally, Whitman and his works serve as the source of inspiration for many modern-day poets. Other writers seek to emulate his style and use it as a tool for expressing their own ideas and experiences. It’s clear Walt Whitman has earned a permanent place in the history of poetry.
Critical Reception
John Slattery’s portrayal of Walt Whitman has been met with positive reviews from audiences and critics alike. His take on the character is seen as wholly accurate and a great representation of the famous poet. Slattery has been praised for bringing a very human element to the character and delivering a performance full of depth and emotion. Viewers have expressed admiration for the way Slattery compels viewers to watch and understand, rather than just observe.
Local newspapers, magazines and websites have praised John Slattery for his interpretation of Walt Whitman. His performance is said to contain many elements of the poet that have carried on through history, such as his passion and strength of convictions, which Slattery has managed to incorporate into Whitman’s portrayal. What’s more, many have discussed the importance of Slattery’s role in the show and the legacy of Walt Whitman’s legacy as a whole.
How The Show Reflected On Walt Whitman’s Legacy
The show has served as a great way to introduce Walt Whitman to a much wider audience. In a modern age where television is the most-viewed media, the inclusion of Whitman in Dickinson is seen as a great way to help people better understand the poet and his career. By portraying a humanized version of Whitman on the show, the audience is able to learn more about the poet and gain a greater insight into his life and work.
Discussing Walt Whitman’s legacy and how it is remembered, Katherine Odell a professor at Northeastern University said, “I think it is important to recognize Whitman’s influence on readers as well as writers of the past and present. It is important to remember that his work was often misunderstood and sometimes censored during his lifetime, but his message of tolerance, humanity and inclusivity was so powerful that it will forever be remembered in American literature.”
The show Dickinson has allowed the world to revisit the work of Walt Whitman and has shown just how important his work was. John Slattery’s performance was met with positive reactions, and the character of Walt Whitman became a pivotal part of the show. His presence in the show is an interesting and engaging way to learn more about the poet, and his performance has been praised as an exceptional homage to him.
Why Was Walt Whitman Cast On Dickinson?
Whitman was a perfect fit for the show Dickinson because his work is so closely intertwined with Emily Dickinson’s. In the show, Walt Whitman is a source of inspiration for Dickinson, and the two characters share a close bond over literature that serves as an anchor in her tumultuous lifestyle. This is an accurate recreation of their real-life bond, as Dickinson was heavily influenced by Whitman’s work. She found solace in his poetry and even wrote a letter to him expressing her love and admiration.
In the past, Emily Dickinson was often overshadowed by Whitman. In the show, the relationship between the two was rewritten to restore Dickinson to her rightful place as a leading poet of her time. By acknowledging the connection between the two now-iconic poets, the show has highlighted how their work intersects and speaks to one another. Furthermore, their connection reminds the audience of how literature can be transformative and how two poets can influence and inspire one another.
The casting of John Slattery was a well-calculated decision by the show’s producers. His familiarity with the role allowed him to really capture the essence of Whitman’s character, while also displaying a strong connection to Emily Dickinson’s darker side. Slattery’s performance was both delicate and powerful, complementing Emily Dickinson’s rebellious spirit perfectly. With Slattery’s definition of Whitman’s character, viewers had an emotional and accurate representation of the poet.
The Impact Of Walt Whitmans’s Character
The impact of the Walt Whitman character on the show was felt right away by the audience. The amount of screen time given to the character allowed viewers to understand the significance of his relationship with Emily Dickinson. As the show progresses, the audience is further exposed to Whitman’s influence on Dickinson and his strong presence in her life, both figuratively and literally. This in turn allowed the audience to become more aware and appreciative of Whitman’s work and its impact on Dickinson.
Moreover, the audience was able to gain a unique perspective into the life of Walt Whitman. By watching the show, viewers were able to observe the importance of Whitman to Dickinson and how it changed her perspective on poetry, literature and life in general. Additionally, Whitman’s presence served as a reminder of the power of literature, and how it can have a positive and profound effect on our lives.
The casting of John Slattery as Walt Whitman was a remarkable decision by the show’s producers. His performance allowed viewers to understand the importance of Whitman’s character and his impact on Dickinson and poetry as a whole. By connecting Whitman and Dickinson, the show created a dynamic connection between the two poets that the audience could relate to and appreciate. As such, the show was able to shine a light on the legacy of Walt Whitman.
