Walt Whitman (1819-1892), an American poet and journalist, was a critical voice in 19th-century American Literature, renowned for his innovative Free verse Style. Influenced by the Transcendentalist movement, Whitman lived through the American Civil War, which profoundly impacted his Work and worldview. "Song of Myself," originally part of "Leaves of Grass" published in 1855, emerged during a Period of great social Change and democratic optimism in America. Initially met with mixed reviews, criticized for its explicitness yet praised for its bold originality, the poem challenged conventions with its celebration of Individuality and the human Spirit. Its legacy endures, influencing countless literary movements and figures, including the Beat Generation, and resonates globally across cultural and academic disciplines.
Guiding Question
How does embracing the multitude within ourselves redefine our connection to the world?