Influence of Transcendentalism on Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman is one of America’s most renowned poets, who wrote in the 19th century during the American Renaissance period. His work was heavily influenced by Transcendentalism, a movement that sprung up in England and later spread to the United States. Transcendentalism is based on the idea that knowledge is best discovered through intuition and spiritual understanding rather than through empirical facts or rational thought. Thus, the literature created during this period often expresses strong religious beliefs, and Whitman’s lyric poems definitely reflect elements of this belief. In his works, he often celebrates nature and its beauty, and offers his perspective on the divine and its role in everyday life.
Talking about the influence of Transcendentalism on Whitman’s work, literature professor Dr. David Katz says, “When Whitman took up the pen to write, he was a product of his time. Everything that he created was a direct result of the social, political, and philosophical phenomena surrounding him, and this of course included Transcendentalism. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that his work was heavily laced with its principles.”
Whitman’s poetry was significant in that it was seen to break away from the traditional ways of writing, which often used organized structure and rhyme. His use of unconventional phrasing and syntax is a testament to his experimentation and desire to express himself in a new and innovative way. In Leaves of Grass, one of Whitman’s most famous collections of poetry, he often used enjambment, which breaks up sentences in order to emphasize particular parts and words. This technique was widely used by the Transcendentalists, whose writing sought to make value-based claims about the divine and the spiritual world, rather than the material one.
This reverence for the spiritual is a defining factor in Whitman’s work. In “Song of Myself”, one of his most popular works, Whitman writes, “I hear and behold God in every object”; this sentiment of finding divinity in the mundane is a central element of Transcendentalism. During this period, Transcendentalists sought to use their art to question the limits of science, and Whitman’s poetry accomplished this by using nature and the spiritual as its canvasses.
The philosopher and literary critic Richard Berlin argues that “Transcendentalism was able to flow through Whitman’s poetry because Whitman was open to its influence. He embraced the idea that the universe is connected and that there is a greater being or force at work than just what can be seen in the physical world.”
In the same vein, Berlin has also argued that Whitman’s lack of formal structure and literary convention is what made his work so authentic and powerful; a sense of liberation is palpable in his writing, which can be attributed to his willingness to embrace new forms of expression. By doing this, Whitman was able to create an unabashedly emotive and honest account of his own inner world as well as that of the greater world.
Whitman’s Contributions to Modern Poetry
Walt Whitman was a pioneer in the way that he embraced new forms of writing and rejected traditional conventions; his methods revolutionized the way that poetry was written, and his influence could be seen in the works of later writers such as Allen Ginsberg and Robert Frost. In Leaves of Grass, Whitman stretched the boundaries of the conventions of writing by utilizing irregular metrical patterns, shifting line lengths, and his unique way of utilizing line breaks; this gave his work a lyrical and melodic rhythm which was decade ahead of his time. American Literature teacher Dr. Rachel Reynolds explains, “What set Whitman apart from other poets is his inexorable and almost percussive style of writing; he created something entirely new, and that is why his influence has been so pervasive in modern poetry.”
Moreover, Whitman was also a great advocate of free thinking, a sentiment that was embraced by the Transcendentalists, who sought to challenge the view of traditional writing and structure. His works, therefore, encouraged readers to have open minds in their interpretations of the world, while being unabashedly reflective of his own beliefs and experiences. Speaking of this, literary historian Dr. Elizabeth Young remarks, “Whitman was able to demonstrate his ability to question, challenge, and ultimately break away from the shackles of convention to create something entirely different and entirely his own. He demonstrated, quite brilliantly, that all can be interrogated, be it in the form of religious teachings or hierarchical systems.”
Social Critique in Whitman’s Writing
Walt Whitman was a great proponent of social change, and many of his works overtly criticized the broader society while advocating for a more progressive ideal. One example of this is in his work “To the States”, in which he wrote “lo! your inherited and estate lot! the flame and the ether of it all! the impalpable spread and disseminate of it,…you evil and perceived forms! you pronouns!” This is a strong statement of criticism of the injustices faced by citizens in America, particularly those based on race, gender and class.
American poet Kennard Pearl directly attributes Whitman’s ability to critique societal issues as a result of his exposure to Transcendentalism. He states, “Whitman’s work is defined by his ability to challenge the status quo, and this can be seen in almost all of his works. This is something that would have surely been embraced and encouraged by the Transcendentalists, who sought to question the status and norms of world.”
In addition to his sociological criticism, Whitman’s works contain a great deal of personal sentiment, including his own sexuality as well as his battle with depression. His writing was poignantly honest, which resonated with readers, as it was something unheard of in the time when many of his works were written.
Why Walt Whitman Still Resonates
Walt Whitman’s works are still highly revered today because they are filled with profound wisdom, poetry, and a timeless message of freedom and self-expression. His works were groundbreaking at the time of his writing, and they continue to be an inspiration to new generations of readers.
The poet and professor Dr. Mira Stiles speaks of Whitman’s lasting relevance, “What is so remarkable about Whitman is that he is still able to connect with readers even though his works are almost two centuries old. His ideas of social reform, liberation, and alternative perspectives are still shared today.”
The poet Naomi Shihab Nye writes, “Whitman was the first poet of his time to capture the emotional spectrum of everyday life, from joy to sorrow and everything in between. He broke away from the conventions of the time by being emotively honest and revealing; this is why he is still so widely celebrated today.”
Whitman’s Place in the American Literary Canon
Walt Whitman’s place in the American literary canon is unquestionable. His works have been widely read and studied in America since he first arrived on the scene, and even today, his words continue to be quoted and discussed in classrooms and literature circles throughout the nation.
Popular professor of American literature Dr. Thomas Langley speaks of Whitman’s importance in the canon, “When you look at the big picture of American literature, Whitman’s works undeniably hold a unique and unshakeable place. His work was revolutionary at the time of its writing, and it continues to be seen as such today.”
Whitman’s works are often referenced by many authors, which has made him one of the pillars of America’s literary history. In the words of the literary scholar Dr. Jeffrey Jacobson, “There is no other author quite like Whitman. His works have stood the test of time and his poetry remains eternally relevant to this day.”
Walt Whitman’s Legacy
Walt Whitman’s legacy is that of a poet of profound insight, technical virtuosity, and profound wisdom. His works spoke to time, as well as to the future.
In the words of the poet Alicia Ostriker, “Walt Whitman was a voice of the future. He spoke of things yet to come, and he wrote of a landscape that didn’t yet exist. He changed the way poetry was written and inspired artists who followed him.”
Even today, Whitman’s works still remain fresh and relevant to modern readers. His works continue to be studied and discussed in classrooms and seminars, and his poems are still being published in new translations and editions.
Impact of Whitman’s Writing Beyond Poetry
Walt Whitman’s work has also had an impact on other aspects of culture, such as film, theatre and music. In the 1960s, his poem “ I Hear America Singing” was the basis of the musical “Hair”, which went on to become a major success. He has also been featured on screen, particularly in the 1989 film “Dead Poets Society”, in which he was played by Robin Williams.
Theatre director and professor Dr. Emma Lyons explains, “Whitman’s works were so profound and deeply affecting that they were and continue to be adapted into different mediums. They tap into the human condition and capture the spectrum of emotion that is inherent to humanity; this is what makes his works so timeless and appealing to so many different people.”
Finally, Whitman’s influence can also be clearly seen in the poetry of today’s poets, who often cite his as an influence or a source of inspiration. Poet Donal Mahoney explains, “Walt Whitman was, and is, a poet for all times. His works have inspired countless poets and writers, and continue to do so today.”
Conclusion
Walt Whitman is an unforgettable figure in American literature and his works are surely some of the most iconic and moving qualities to emerge in the Western world. Innovative, outspoken and authentically emotive, his ability to capture the essence of life and its complexity is what has made him one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and his works still retain their power and relevance two centuries after they were originally written.
