Walt Whitman

"Walt Whitman's poem Song of Myself is considered a classic of American literature and is still widely studied and appreciated today. While some may find its style and language challenging, its themes of individualism, democracy, and connectedness to nature remain relevant and accessible to modern readers."

Walt Whitman was never married. he was too busy getting his career to take off and moving all over the place that he didn't have the time to settle down and stay in one place long enough to get married let alone have children.

Walt Whitman did not win any formal awards during his lifetime. However, he is widely recognized as one of the most influential American poets and his work has been acclaimed for its innovation and originality.

Whitman describes Americans from different social classes and professions in "Song of Myself" to celebrate the diversity and unity of the American people. He aims to highlight the interconnectedness and equality among individuals, emphasizing the idea of a common humanity that transcends societal divisions. By portraying a wide range of individuals in his poem, Whitman showcases the complexity and richness of American society.

The purpose of alliteration in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" is to create rhythm and enhance the musicality of the poem. By repeating consonant sounds at the beginning of words, Whitman adds a lyrical quality to his verses and helps to draw attention to key themes or ideas. This poetic technique also serves to unify the text and guide the reader through the flowing narrative.

Walt Whitman influenced many other authors (for example D.H. Lawrence, William Carlos William, and Allen Ginsberg) as far as his honesty and departure from traditional poetic forms. His influence was even felt by Dr Seuss. In Horton Hears a Who, the little boy who finally breaks through and allows other animals to hear the Whos shouts "Yop," which is a veiled reference to Whitman's "barbaric yawp."

Celebrations of sexuality...

In the poem "I Hear America Singing," Walt Whitman expresses his joyous love for America through the voices of the people who make up the fabric of the country--such as mechanics, masons, woodcutters, and more.

Abraham Lincoln was the President of the US that Walt Whitman spoke of in "The Inauguration from Specimen Days." This was a poem written by Whitman that details the noticeable stresses that Abraham Lincoln experienced during his time in office.

"A Noiseless Patient Spider" can be paraphrased as a poem about the speaker observing a spider quietly spinning its web and reflecting on its solitary and persistent nature, drawing a parallel to the speaker's own yearning for connection and meaning in the vast universe.

Walt Whitman's poems often exhibit Romantic themes such as a celebration of nature, the individual's connection to the universe, and the importance of intuition and emotion over logic and reason. Stylistically, his free verse and use of expansive language and vivid imagery evoke a sense of awe and wonder, characteristic of Romanticism. Additionally, his focus on the beauty and power of the individual and the exploration of the self align with Romantic ideals.

"Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman celebrates the innate vitality and individuality of the human spirit. The "barbaric yawp" symbolizes self-expression and the rejection of societal norms, encouraging readers to embrace their true selves without fear or restraint. Whitman's poem is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the human experience.

The US Civil War (1861 to 1865), in which the North and the South fought over the attempt of the Southern slave states to secede from the Union, occurred during Dickinson's and Whitman's lifetime. Both poets wrote about the war,

The speaker in Whitman's poem "A Noiseless Patient Spider" is observing a spider tirelessly trying to create its web, and drawing a comparison between the spider's efforts and the speaker's own search for meaning and connections in the vast and empty world. The speaker reflects on the spider's perseverance and draws inspiration from it in his own search for fulfillment and purpose.

"Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman is often considered more of a long, free verse poem than a traditional epic poem. It lacks some of the formal characteristics typically associated with epic poetry, such as a structured narrative or a heroic protagonist. Whitman's work is more introspective and personal in nature, focusing on themes of self-discovery and connection to others.

Some of the main themes in Walt Whitman's poems include the celebration of nature, the connection between humanity and the universe, the beauty of individuality, and the exploration of the human experience and emotions. Whitman also often explores themes of democracy, equality, and freedom in his poetry.

1) What images can you visualize?

I can visualize a vast sailing ship with huge white colored sails sailing in the ocean water. Along the sides of the boat, there are waves which seem to be wanting to lift up. I can visualize these waves 'following' the ship because as the ship moves, it displaces the water and causes waves. I can visualize the waves seem to be endlessly having fun in banging into the boat and flow with the current.

2) What do you think the songwriter is trying to describe to you?

I think that the author is trying to describe to us a large ship which is sailing in the water, causing waves to form behind it. The waves are seeming to be be very 'energetic and are seeming to want to go further up the ships hull than just a meter.

3) Write a response "letter" back to the writer.

Hi Mr. Whitman,

I think you have done a great job in expressing your visualization of a scene as simple as a ship sailing in the water I think you have used many types of poetry elements such as rhythm and alliterations which make your poem interesting to read.

After the Sea-Ship-after the whistling winds;

After the white-gray sails, taut to their spars and ropes,

Below, a myriad, myriad waves, hastening, lifting up their necks,

Tending in ceaseless flow toward the track of the ship:

Waves of the ocean, bubbling and gurgling, blithely prying,

Waves, undulating waves-liquid, uneven, emulous waves,

Toward that whirling current, laughing and buoyant, with curves,

Where the great Vessel, sailing and tacking, displaced the surface;

In "A Noiseless Patient Spider" by Walt Whitman, the paradox lies in the spider's simultaneous sense of isolation and connection. It conveys the spider's solitude as it tirelessly spins its web in a vast and empty space, yet also highlights its attempt to bridge the gap between itself and the world, seeking to establish connections just as a soul yearns for connection and meaning in the universe. This paradox captures the universal human experience of seeking connection in a seemingly indifferent world.

In the poem "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln is referred to as Captain because he led the country through the Civil War like a captain leading a ship. He is also called Father because he was seen as a paternal figure who guided and protected the nation during a tumultuous time.

Thomas Hardy admired Walt Whitman's work and considered him a great poet. Hardy appreciated Whitman's innovative use of free verse and his bold exploration of themes related to nature, individuality, and the human experience in his poetry. Hardy was influenced by Whitman's style and themes in his own writing.

Yes, there are many examples of onomatopoeia in Whitman's poem "Song of Myself." One such example is in the last section, "I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world." The word "yawp" is an example of onomatopoeia.

Yes, Walt Whitman does celebrate middle-age in "Song of Myself." He views aging as a natural part of life and embraces the experiences and wisdom that come with it. Whitman values the perspective and maturity that middle-age offers, seeing it as a time for self-reflection and personal growth.

Walt Whitman did not write "Daddy Fell into the Pond." This poem was actually written by Alfred Noyes. Noyes was an English poet and writer known for his children's poetry.

One of Walt Whitman's shortest poems is "To a Foil’d European Revolutionaire." It is only four lines long and reflects on the disappointment and disillusionment of a failed revolution.

"Leaves of Grass" is considered an epic poem due to its expansive treatment of diverse themes, its celebration of democracy and individualism, and its grand scope that captures the essence of America as a nation. Through its innovative use of free verse and exploration of different poetic forms, Walt Whitman creates a sweeping and inclusive vision of the human experience.