walt whitman :: essays research papers

Walt Whitman Walt Whitman, innate(p) in 1819 to a family in Long Island, lived a very diminished life before becoming a well known writer. He grew up in a community total of Quakers and followed religion very strictly as a child. Whitman loved reading the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson because he thought he related to Emersons ideas and theologies which closely corresponded to his own. At the season of 35, Whitman published his first book, Leaves of Grass, which was so successful that it appealed to other known poets worldwide. His gift was a great surprise to many. Whitmans abilities as a poet were unknown because his foregoing job was working for a local newspaper from which he got laid-off for being an abolitionist. It is believed, however, that Whitmans inspiration came from his trip to New Orleans and New York. Whether it was a love affair or the great scenery from the countryside that truly godlike him is unknown nevertheless this first book was the beginning to an exciti ng career. Whitman viewed himself as the first real American poet. His poetry was symbolic of freedom and democracy, as well as emotions and beliefs. Later variances of Leaves of Grass were published in 1856 and 1860. These editions were full of new poems as well as revised earlier ones. At this time, Whitman was the editor of a local newspaper, the Brooklyn Daily Times, in addition to dower is father in carpentry. It was in 1862 when he found out his chum salmon was injured in the war and he traveled South to dole out as a volunteer nurse to the military until 1867. During his time as a nurse, Whitman composed several war poems which were published in the 1867 edition of Leaves of Grass.