Walt Whitman is a revolutionary figure of American literature and perhaps one of the most controversial and unorthodox writers of all time. His work, Leaves of Grass, served as a catalyst for modern American poetry to exist and endure, but how was Whitman so revolutionary? This article examines why Walt Whitman was praised and respected as a revolutionary writer.
Whitman was born in 1819 and began writing poetry in around 1841. He was a rootless worker, a printer, a teacher, a journalist and also a nurse in a military hospital during the Civil War. Whitman was an early pioneer of free verse, expanding the conventions of poetry by disregarding traditional iambic meter and rhyming. Unlike many of his contemporaries, such as Emily Dickinson, he did not adhere to standard poetic rules and, instead, compared the power of poetry to that of thunder, seeking the raw energy of emotion and energy over structure. His writing style has been defined as “vers libre” or free verse, which he utilised as a way of expressing his views in a nonconformist way.
Whitman’s writing often explored topics that were considered taboo, such as politics, religion and sexuality. His work featured frank discussions of topics such as masturbation, birth control, and celestial marriage. He took a central role in advocating for the civil rights of African Americans in a true testament to his progressive views on race relations, despite prevailing standards of the time. His inclusion of diverse and unconventional topics alongside his use of unconventional poetic forms allows Whitman to be seen as an anti-establishment figure who pushed the boundaries of literature.
During Whitman’s life, his work was heavily criticised by critics. Many were appalled at the frankness and content of his work, including topics such as the human body, sexuality, and religion. Despite the criticism, Whitman continued to push the boundaries of writing, introducing the idea that free verse could be seen as just as legitimate as conventionally structured poetry. His works have served as an inspiration for 20th century writers, such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, who have used Whitman’s ground-breaking style as a framework for their own works.
Walt Whitman is unarguably an important figure in American literary history. His nonconformity, creativity, and daring have allowed him to be seen as a revolutionary writer, who helped to modernise the field of poetry forever. By rejecting the stylistic rules of prior conventions, he opened up a space for a new form of expression that was deeply personal and highly provocative. Whitman’s writing was far ahead of its time, yet remains relevant to this day, inspiring generations of poets.
Lifetime Achievement
Though controversial and polarising during his lifetime, Walt Whitman is now regarded as a revolutionary writer by his peers and critics alike. His accomplishments are still celebrated today, with a number of commemorative monuments, memorials and statues in honour of the great poet. In the eyes of the literary community, Whitman has achieved lasting recognition as a revolutionary figure of not just poetry, but also culture and social progress.
In the near-century and a half since his death, Whitman has become a notable figure for social progress and revolutionary thinking in numerous fields. His commitment to writing about topics such as free love, race relations and other taboo subjects, as well as his centring of voices and perspectives from marginalised communities, has been celebrated as progress in the literary world. After some time in the canon, Whitman is now widely seen as an American cultural icon, having transcended and impacted lives far beyond his lifetime.
Global Popularity & Influence
Whitman’s influence has not only stretched throughout the United States, but his work has had a global impact and these popular resonances live on today. His influence has been felt in countries like China and Germany, as well as in countries like India, where he is regarded as a great literary figure. He has been translated into dozens of different languages, making him accessible to millions of readers around the world, allowing his revolutionary and enlightened writing to be assimilated and admired. Moreover, Whitman’s revolutionary thinking has been embraced by other literature, including avant-garde works such as Eliot’s The Wasteland and Ezra Pound’s Cantos.
To this day, Whitman is revered as a great author and there is still much to be learnt from his life and work. We continue to draw strength and inspiration from his works in countless ways. In this sense, his influence lives on and his works are a testament to the sheer power of literature.
Unconventional Topic
One of the chief reasons that Whitman is still relevant and celebrated by current poets is his unconventional approach to poetry, which set him apart from his contemporaries at the time. He embraced and wrote about a wide variety of topics that other authors generally avoided and his free-verse writing style disregarded the traditional rules of poetic composition. His rejection of the rules of conventional poetry opened up a space for more humorous, candid and free-flowing expression.
Whitman’s unconventional topics and style allowed him to express himself honestly and popularly and to tap into private worlds of emotion and thought. His willingness to address previously taboo topics and allow his writing to take on controversial and sometimes uncomfortable associations has made him a figure of both admire and revulsion.
Moreover, while his writing often received criticism and censorship, it also attracted praise, with renowned American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson commending Whitman’s work in the early 19th century. Whitman’s writing has been highly influential and it has served as a striking example of how a writer can express powerful thoughts without adhering to traditional literary forms.
The Revolutionary Legacy
Walt Whitman is seen now as a revolutionary figure in both his own writing and its influence on later writers. His work offered a distinct and unique voice at a time when the conventions of literature and poetry were held firmly in place, expanding the possibilities of what poetry could be. His writings achieved a level of frankness and daringness that was unrivalled at the time, pushing the boundaries of literature and offering a window into his wide-ranging thoughts and perspectives. This groundbreaking writing continues to have a marked effect on modern culture and remains a major source of inspiration to many contemporary poets.
Ultimately, Walt Whitman is one of the most revolutionary figures of American literature and his influence is still felt to this day. His works have opened doors to both revolutionary thinking and alternative writing styles, positioning poetry as a powerful tool for expression. We owe a great debt to him and continue to be inspired by his legacy.
