Walt Whitman is considered by many to be the quintessential American poet. Not only do his poems praise traditional American ideals, like democracy, progress, and equality, but they also served to influence countless writers who came after him. Whitman was a meticulous writer, publishing six different editions of Leaves of Grass over the course of his life. His poems are notable for their free-verse forms, enthusiastic address, and concern with nature, humanity, and the sublime.
Key Aspects of Walt Whitman: Poems
Tone
Whitman's poems are notable for their joyful tone: the poet takes delight in observing the world, and his tone reflects this. His poems are also notable for their...