Influences On Walt Whitman is often celebrated as one of the most influential poets in American literature. His work transcends traditional poetic forms, embracing free verse and exploring themes of individualism, democracy, and the human experience. Whitman’s revolutionary approach to poetry was shaped by a variety of influences, both personal and cultural. This article will explore these key influences, including Whitman’s early life, his encounters with other writers, his philosophical and political beliefs, and the cultural landscape of the 19th century that shaped his worldview and literary output.
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Early Life And Personal Experiences
Family Background and Childhood
Walt Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, Long Island, New York, into a working-class family. His father, Walter Whitman Sr., was a carpenter, and his mother, Louisa Van Velsor, was of Dutch descent. Whitman had a close relationship with his mother, and her strong moral and emotional influence on him played a significant role in shaping his early views on life. However, Whitman’s family was financially unstable, which led to a significant amount of hardship during his youth.
Whitman’s early education was sporadic, and he largely educated himself through reading. This self-education was pivotal in shaping his understanding of literature, philosophy, and the world. His early exposure to books, newspapers, and literary figures instilled in him a desire to express himself creatively and explore ideas of freedom, democracy, and individuality.
Work Experience and Personal Struggles
Before becoming a full-time poet, Whitman worked in a variety of occupations, including as a printer, teacher, journalist, and editor. These experiences exposed him to a wide range of people, including workers, politicians, intellectuals, and artists, all of whom contributed to his understanding of society. Whitman’s stint as a journalist, in particular, gave him insight into the political and social issues of the time, which would later influence the themes of democracy and freedom in his poetry.
Moreover, Whitman’s personal struggles—financial difficulties, the pain of family strife, and the emotional toll of the Civil War—were significant influences on his writing. These challenges gave him a unique perspective on the human condition, which became a central theme in his poetry.
Key Literary Influences
Ralph Waldo Emerson
One of the most significant influences on Walt Whitman’s work was the transcendentalist philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson’s writings on individualism, nature, and the divine spark within all people deeply resonated with Whitman. Emerson’s idea of the “oversoul,” the belief in a universal spirit that connects all individuals, is mirrored in Whitman’s celebration of the individual soul and the interconnectedness of all human beings.
In 1855, Whitman sent a copy of his first edition of Leaves of Grass to Emerson, who praised the work in a famous letter, calling it “the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed.” This validation from Emerson served as an important affirmation for Whitman and helped establish his literary career. Emerson’s influence can be seen in Whitman’s embrace of nature, his emphasis on self-reliance, and his desire to transcend the limitations of conventional poetry.
William Blake
The English poet and artist William Blake was another key influence on Whitman. Blake’s mystical and visionary poetry, particularly his themes of spiritual freedom and the power of the imagination, resonated with Whitman’s own desire to explore the depths of the human experience. Both poets believed in the power of the individual to transcend societal constraints and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Blake’s bold use of imagery and symbolism also left an imprint on Whitman’s poetry. Whitman admired Blake’s ability to depict the divine in everyday life and to challenge traditional religious and moral conventions. This influence can be seen in Whitman’s celebration of the body, his emphasis on sensuality, and his embrace of the unity of mind and body.
The Bible
While Whitman was not a religious man in the conventional sense, the Bible had a profound impact on his poetry. He was particularly influenced by the Old Testament, with its vivid imagery and epic narratives. The Bible’s emphasis on human struggle, suffering, and redemption found resonance in Whitman’s exploration of the human soul and his belief in the possibility of transcendence.
Whitman’s use of biblical language and imagery, such as the repetition of phrases and the use of grandiose metaphors, mirrors the structure of the Bible. This influence is particularly evident in works like “Song of Myself,” where Whitman declares his own divinity and celebrates the sacredness of life and death.
The American Experience
As a poet of democracy, Whitman’s work was deeply influenced by the political and social landscape of 19th-century America. He was profoundly affected by the expansion of the United States, the ideals of freedom and equality espoused by the Founding Fathers, and the challenges facing the country during the Civil War.
Whitman’s belief in the American experiment—the notion that the United States could serve as a beacon of liberty and democracy—was central to his poetic vision. His poems often express a deep sense of pride in the country’s democratic ideals, even as he critiques the disparities between those ideals and the reality of American society, particularly regarding issues like slavery and social inequality.
The Civil War, in particular, had a lasting impact on Whitman’s poetry. His experiences as a volunteer nurse during the war, tending to the wounded soldiers in Washington, D.C., were transformative. The trauma and suffering he witnessed deepened his empathy for humanity and solidified his commitment to portraying the human condition in all its complexity. The Civil War also reinforced Whitman’s belief in the necessity of unity and the triumph of the individual over adversity.
Philosophical And Political Beliefs
Transcendentalism and Spirituality
Whitman’s philosophy was influenced by the transcendentalist movement, which emphasized the inherent goodness of people, the importance of self-reliance, and the connection between the individual and the divine. Like Emerson and other transcendentalists, Whitman believed in the sanctity of the individual and the power of intuition over reason. This belief in the potential for personal transformation through self-awareness and spiritual awakening is a recurring theme in his poetry.
However, Whitman took transcendentalist ideas in a more radical direction. His poetry embraces not only the beauty and spirituality of nature but also the full range of human experience, including sexuality, sensuality, and the raw realities of life. This more inclusive and holistic vision of the human condition was revolutionary for its time.
Democracy and Social Reform
Whitman’s commitment to democracy is perhaps his most defining political influence. He believed in the idea of a government that was by the people and for the people, but he also recognized the limitations of American democracy, especially in the context of slavery, inequality, and discrimination. His poetry often calls for a more perfect union, a society in which all people are treated with dignity and respect.
Whitman’s poetry also reflects his views on social reform. He was an advocate for the abolition of slavery, women’s rights, and the rights of the working class. His support for these causes is woven throughout Leaves of Grass, where he calls for a more egalitarian and just society. Whitman’s ability to weave political themes into his poetic vision helped establish his reputation as a revolutionary figure in American letters.
Legacy And Lasting Impact
Influences On Influences On Walt Whitman poetic style, with its use of free verse and expansive, democratic themes, had a profound influence on the development of American poetry. He broke free from the constraints of traditional rhyme and meter, opening the door for poets like Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, and Allen Ginsberg to experiment with new forms of expression.
Influences On Walt Whitman impact on modern poetry cannot be overstated. His vision of the self, his embrace of human diversity, and his insistence on the power of the individual continue to resonate with readers and writers today. His work stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to express the complexities of the human experience.
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FAQs
What is Walt Whitman most famous for?
Influences On Walt Whitman is most famous for his groundbreaking poetry collection Leaves of Grass. This work, which he continuously revised throughout his life, celebrates the beauty of the human experience, individualism, democracy, and the interconnectedness of all people. His use of free verse and bold themes was revolutionary for its time.
How did Ralph Waldo Emerson influence Whitman?
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s transcendentalist philosophy deeply influenced Whitman, particularly his ideas on individualism, self-reliance, and the connection between all human beings. Emerson’s praise of Leaves of Grass validated Whitman’s poetic vision and helped establish his reputation as a major American poet.What role did the Civil War play in Whitman’s poetry?
The Civil War had a profound impact on Whitman, both personally and artistically. His experiences as a nurse during the war deepened his empathy and shaped his views on unity, suffering, and the human condition. Poems like “The Wound-Dresser” reflect his firsthand experiences with the devastation of war and his emotional response to the suffering of soldiers.
How did Whitman’s views on democracy influence his work?
Whitman’s poetry is heavily shaped by his belief in democracy. He celebrated the ideals of freedom, equality, and the dignity of the individual. However, he also critiqued the discrepancies between these ideals and the reality of American society, particularly in regard to slavery and social injustice.
Did Walt Whitman embrace traditional religious beliefs?
While Whitman was not traditionally religious, he was deeply spiritual. He rejected organized religion in favor of a more personal, pantheistic spirituality, seeing divinity in nature, the body, and the human soul. This belief is reflected in his poetry, where he often explores themes of spiritual transcendence and universal connection.
