Walt Whitman Biography And Works in American Poetry

Walt Whitman Biography And Works in American Poetry

Walt Whitman, one of the most influential American poets, is renowned for his ground-breaking work that transformed both the idea of poetry and American literature. Walter Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, Long Island, New York. His family was Quaker, and he was the second of nine children. His life and art are a reflection of the turbulent times in American history that he lived through, including the early 19th century, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era. This biography will go into Walt Whitman’s life, writings, influences, and lasting significance.

Early Life and Education:

Walt Whitman’s upbringing was characterized by low income and a multicultural setting. While his mother Louisa Van Velsor Whitman was of Dutch ancestry, his father Walter Whitman Sr. worked as a farmer, carpenter, and part-time carpenter. Whitman’s upbringing was shaped by his family’s numerous moves, which exposed him to a variety of cultures and viewpoints.

Walt Whitman Biography And Works in American Poetry-Whitman was largely self-taught through his extensive reading, having received very little formal education. He started out in the printing business as an apprentice to a printer and eventually held a journeyman position. His passion for language and the written word was influenced by this encounter.

Early Career:

In the 1830s and 1840s, Whitman worked as a printer, journalist, and editor, gaining experience in various newspapers and publications. He developed a keen interest in the literary and cultural scene of New York City, where he lived for much of his adult life.

Whitman’s literary aspirations led him to start his own newspapers and contribute to others. He became involved in various political and social causes, advocating for temperance, women’s rights, and the abolition of slavery. These early experiences influenced his worldview and laid the groundwork for the themes he would later explore in his poetry.

Personal Life:

Walt Whitman was known for his unconventional lifestyle. He never married and did not have children. Speculation about his sexuality has been a subject of scholarly debate, with some suggesting that Whitman may have had romantic relationships with men, while others emphasize the difficulty of applying modern labels to historical figures.

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Despite financial difficulties and health challenges, including a stroke in 1873, Whitman continued to write and engage with the literary and cultural community until his death.

Legacy:

1. Innovative Poetry:
   • Whitman’s innovative use of free verse, unconventional structure, and celebration of the everyday experiences of common people broke with traditional poetic forms. His influence can be seen in the works of later poets such as Allen Ginsberg and the Beat Generation.
2. Humanism and Democracy:
   • Whitman’s poetry embodies a celebration of humanity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all people. His democratic vision, expressed in works like “Song of Myself,” reflects a belief in the equality of individuals and the diversity of the American experience.
3. Influence on American Literature:
   • Whitman’s impact on American literature is profound. His work laid the groundwork for modern poetry and influenced generations of writers. His legacy is evident in the works of poets ranging from Langston Hughes to contemporary writers like Nikki Giovanni.
4. Spirit of Independence:
   • Whitman’s embrace of individualism and nonconformity has resonated with readers seeking a sense of personal and creative freedom. His celebration of the self and rejection of societal norms continue to inspire those who value independence of thought and expression.
5. Representation of Sexuality:
   • Whitman’s frank and open exploration of sexuality, particularly in poems like “Calamus,” challenged societal norms of his time. His willingness to address and celebrate aspects of human experience that were often considered taboo paved the way for later poets and artists to explore similar themes.
6. Cultural and Political Influence:
   • Whitman’s involvement in political and social causes, including his support for abolition and women’s rights, reflects his commitment to social justice. His writings on democracy and the potential of the United States to embody its democratic ideals have had a lasting impact on discussions of American identity.
7. Enduring Popularity:
   • “Leaves of Grass” remains a classic in American literature, continually in print and studied in literature courses worldwide. Its enduring popularity attests to the timeless relevance of Whitman’s themes and poetic innovations.
8. Cultural Icon:
   • Whitman himself has become a cultural icon. His image, often recognizable from photographs taken during his lifetime, symbolizes the rugged individualism and intellectual curiosity associated with the American spirit.

Death:

Walt Whitman died on March 26, 1892, at the age of 72, in Camden, New Jersey. His final resting place is the Harleigh Cemetery in Camden. The impact of his life and work continued to grow in the years that followed, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in American literature and culture.

TIMELINE

• May 31, 1819: Walt Whitman is born in West Hills, Long Island, New York.
• 1830s-1840s: Whitman works as a printer, journalist, and editor, gaining diverse experiences in various newspapers and publications.
• 1855: Whitman self-publishes the first edition of “Leaves of Grass,” a groundbreaking collection of poems.
• 1861-1865: During the Civil War, Whitman serves as a volunteer nurse in military hospitals in Washington, D.C.
• 1867: Whitman publishes a second edition of “Leaves of Grass,” expanding and refining the collection.
• 1871: The third edition of “Leaves of Grass” is published.
• 1873: Whitman suffers a stroke, which affects his health but does not halt his creative output.
• 1881: Whitman’s mother, Louisa Van Velsor Whitman, passes away.
• 1882: Whitman publishes “Specimen Days,” a collection of prose writings reflecting on his experiences and observations.
• 1891-1892: Whitman publishes the final “Deathbed” edition of “Leaves of Grass.”
• March 26, 1892: Walt Whitman dies at the age of 72 in Camden, New Jersey.
• Burial: Whitman is buried in Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, New Jersey.