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Walt Whitman Bio

Walt Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, New York, and died on March 26, 1892. He is a pioneering figure in American literature known for his influential work 'Leaves of Grass' and his innovative use of free verse, which broke from traditional poetic forms. Whitman's emphasis on individuality and democracy significantly impacted modern American poetry and literature.

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16 views2 pages

Walt Whitman Bio

Walt Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, New York, and died on March 26, 1892. He is a pioneering figure in American literature known for his influential work 'Leaves of Grass' and his innovative use of free verse, which broke from traditional poetic forms. Whitman's emphasis on individuality and democracy significantly impacted modern American poetry and literature.

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antonioignaciogarciaprieto
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Birth Date and Place, Death

 Birth Date: May 31, 1819


 Birth Place: West Hills, Long Island, New York, USA
 Death: March 26, 1892

Education

 Walt Whitman had minimal formal education. He attended public schools until the
age of 11, after which he began working various jobs to support his family. His
education was largely self-directed through reading and self-study.

Literary Works

 Leaves of Grass (1855, expanded in several editions): His most famous and
influential work, a collection of poetry that celebrated the individual, nature, and the
American experience.
 Drum-Taps (1865): A collection of poems reflecting on the American Civil War.
 Specimen Days (1882): A collection of prose writings, including diary entries and
essays.
 Democratic Vistas (1871): An essay exploring the future of democracy and
American society.

Accomplishments

 Whitman is considered a pioneering figure in American literature. His work broke


from traditional forms of poetry and embraced free verse, a style that allowed for
greater expression and experimentation.
 He was a key figure in the development of modern American poetry and was
influential in the establishment of free verse as a viable poetic form.
 His work was initially controversial but later gained widespread acclaim and
significantly impacted American literary tradition.

Literary Style and Reasoning

 Style: Whitman is best known for his use of free verse, a form of poetry that
eschews traditional rhyme schemes and meter. His writing often features long lines,
repetition, and a conversational tone.
 Reasoning: Whitman chose this style to reflect the democratic ideals he celebrated
in his work. Free verse allowed him to break free from conventional poetic
constraints and express his ideas more naturally and expansively, mirroring the
vastness and diversity of America itself.
Importance in Literature

 Walt Whitman is important in literature for his innovative approach to poetry and
his role in shaping modern American literature. His emphasis on individuality,
democracy, and the human experience helped to redefine the boundaries of poetic
expression and inspired countless poets and writers who followed.

Genre

 Genre: Whitman’s primary genre is poetry, but his work also includes essays and
prose writings. His poetry often explores themes of self, nature, democracy, and the
human condition.

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