Walt Whitman, born on May 31, 1819 and passed away on March 26, 1892, is widely recognized as one of the most important figures in not only the history of literature, but of American thought and culture as well. Since his time, Whitman has been referred to as America’s first poetic genius and a great spiritual leader, inspiring generations of poets and other creative individuals who look to him as an innovator.
One of the main reasons why Walt Whitman is so important is because of his influence over the development of modern poetry, with his groundbreaking use of free-verse form. While most of Whitman’s contemporary poets were writing in the established rhymes and meter that were popular at the time, Whitman found a way to turn that system on its head and shatter the restrictions imposed upon poets at the time.
Whitman’s writing was also revolutionary in its inclusion of topics that were thought of as taboo, and its celebration of unusual subjects such as joy and sexuality, which allowed him to take the literary world by storm and open up new paths of thought that didn’t exist before. He wrote with a candor and directness that was revolutionary in its time, and his work still influences poets and writers today.
Still, his legacy is not all about his poems. Whitman was an ardent believer in the concept of democracy and often wrote about it, celebrating the idea of a truly democratic nation and emphasizing the importance of equality under the law. He was a vocal proponent of human rights and spoke out often against slavery and oppression, which made him one of the most influential voices of his time.
The influence Whitman had on many of the literary giants of the 20th century is also unmistakable. Writers such as T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, and even Bob Dylan, all draw from his style and sensibilities in their works. In many ways, he is seen as a spiritual precursor of their poetics and outlook.
The cultural impact of Whitman’s life and art is immeasurable and is still felt today. His influence in the world of literature is undeniable, and his work still resonates with the modern reader. He is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up to repression, of challenging the status quo, and of reaching towards a better and more inclusive society.
Political Writings
If his poetic accomplishments weren’t enough to solidify Walt Whitman’s canonical place in literary history, then his political contributions would. Not only was he a vocal proponent of abolition, Whitman wrote several influential essays which sought to shape public opinion and reform society. His “The Eighteenth Presidency” openly criticized the human rights abuses of the government, while his essay “Reform and the Reformers” urged the public to become more engaged in the political system.
Whitman staunchly believed in the power of the electorate to shape the course of history and he often wrote essays urging readers to take part in the democratic process. Throughout his life, he spoke out against corruption, racism and inequality, and insisted upon the need for reform. Even today, many consider Whitman to be one of the driving forces of the civil rights movement.
His political writings were also incredibly progressive for their time, espousing a pro-labor attitude and advocating for the rights of workers, women and minorities. Whitman’s insistence that all members of society should be given the same opportunities and access is something that still resonates today.
In addition to his numerous poetic works, Walt Whitman is particularly renowned for his political writings which helped shape the America of today. His emphasis on equality, compassion and reform inspired countless generations of political activists and gave the country a more just and equitable society.
Legacy
Walt Whitman was an innovator and his revolutionary works shaped the future of literature in America. He was one of the first to challenge the status quo and shatter the conventions of his era, allowing for the birth of modern American poetry.
But his legacy is not just about his writing, his influence and ideology were also incredibly progressive for their time. He was a firm believer in human rights and equality, and his refusal to be silenced was incredibly inspiring, and surely gave many voice to those who were otherwise unheard.
His influence can still be felt today, with many of his ideas and concepts still resonating in modern culture. His works are still some of the most widely read in the world and are still inspiring generations of poets and writers, who look to him as a source of inspiration.
The lasting impact of Walt Whitman is indisputable. His refusal to conform, his celebration of joy, sexuality, and individuality has made him one of the most influential figures in American literature and thought. His legacy is one that will live on for years to come.
Impact on Music
Walt Whitman wasn’t just a great poet, he was also a great influence on musicians in the twentieth century. Some of the most iconic artists of all time, including Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Bruce Springsteen, have openly credited Whitman and his works as a major source of inspiration.
Dylan’s song, “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” contains references to Whitman’s Leaves of Grass and Ironweed, while Bruce Springsteen has included quotes from Whitman and his works in many of his music videos, lyrics and concerts.
Whitman’s words have also been used in a variety of other works, such as the movie Dead Poets Society, and his influence can be seen in the lyrics of Rage Against The Machine and Neutral Milk Hotel, who both included references to the poet’s works in their songs.
Perhaps the most impressive and notable example of Whitman’s influence on the music world is Elvis Presley’s song “A Little Less Conversation,” which was inspired by Whitman’s poetry. The lines “All the madness of men, all the sadness of women/ All the loneliness of love” were taken directly from Whitman’s poem, “A Noiseless Patient Spider.”
It’s clear that Walt Whitman’s work and words have had a deep and lasting impact on the music industry. His influence on some of the most iconic artists is undeniable and his writings continue to inspire future generations.
Reception
Not only was Whitman revolutionary in his own works, his message was also revolutionary in terms of its reception. Upon the release of his first book of poetry in 1855, Leaves of Grass, he initially received a mostly muted response, with many of the established figures in literature considering his work to be too free in form and too outrageous in content.
Lyric poetry in particular was looked down upon by many of Whitman’s contemporaries, who viewed it as moral decay, however, the poet was not deterred by these criticisms. He continued to write and publish his works, eventually garnering praise from many of the same critics who once derided his work.
One of the most influential figures in literature, Ralph Waldo Emerson, was one of the earliest and most ardent admirers of Whitman. He famously wrote to the poet, “I greet you at the beginning of a great career.” Highly influential figures such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and even President Abraham Lincoln also praised the poet’s works, affirming his importance in American literature.
Today, over 150 years after his debut, Walt Whitman’s work is still heralded as a milestone in American literature. His works are taught in universities and high schools all over the world, and his legacy is one that still resonates with readers around the globe.
Influence Beyond Literature
Walt Whitman was not only influential in the literary world, he was also one of the most influential activists of the late 19th century, often speaking out against the human rights abuses of his time. He openly criticized the government and the existing power structures and spoke out for change and reform.
His uncompromising stance towards equality, no matter what the cost, was extraordinarily progressive for its time and is still a source of inspiration for many activists today. He was one of the first to realize the injustices of society and never compromised on his ideals of reform, often risking personal safety in the process.
His influence extended beyond just the literary world and into the world of politics. He often wrote essays, openly criticizing the government, and he spoke out against slavery, racism and oppression. He used his platform to advocate for progress and many consider him to be one of the primary driving forces in the civil rights movement.
In addition to being an author and activist, Walt Whitman was also a teacher of sorts, who spoke out in support of the spiritual and holistic aspects of life, a practice that many have argued was revolutionary for its time. He urged his readers to look beyond the physical realm and to delve deeper into the truths of the spiritual world.
Walt Whitman was a singular force in American history and his influence extends far beyond the realm of literature. His words and actions continue to be felt today and he will undoubtedly remain an inspiration for future generations.
