Walt Whitman and Leaves of Grass Quiz

Study Notes

Born on Long Island, New York
Began working at 11 as an office boy
Later worked as a schoolteacher, writer, and editor
Entered politics as a Democrat
Traveled to New Orleans
Returned to New York and published first edition of Leaves of Grass
Financed publication himself
Worked for the government and volunteered at hospitals during the American Civil War
Deeply affected by Lincoln's assassination
Retired in 1873 to New Jersey
Continued to write poetry and essays
Died in 1892 at age 72

Published Leaves of Grass in 1855
The work evolved and expanded throughout his life, culminating in nine editions
Leaves of Grass became a collection of most of his poetry
Drum Taps (1865) - including an elegy on Lincoln titled "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloomed"
Memoranda during the War (1875) - a prose work

Described as an ever-expanding work
Connected to Whitman's vision of himself as a voice and chronicler of American experience
First edition had twelve poems
Final edition had over 400 poems
Praised by Ralph Waldo Emerson as a remarkable work of wit and wisdom

During the Victorian period in Britain, poetic innovation declined
The novel became a more effective way to address contemporary society
American poetry of the time reinvented itself, with a focus on individualism
Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson became prominent voices
- Their styles and perspectives were contrasting

Whitman's poetry was revolutionary for its time
Viewed as an ongoing journey across America
Aims to unify diverse American voices in a democratic way
Initial response was mixed due to perceived rough manners and outspokenness
Later gained praise in Britain, particularly from A.C. Swinburne and William Rossetti

Whitman's poems were not only about politics and social ideals
They also focused on linguistic experimentation
Whitman sought to create a distinct American voice separate from European influences
American language was seen as evolving and flexible
The arrival of immigrants further enriched the linguistic landscape