Whitman as a Modern Poet

Answer

Discuss Whitman as a modern poet. [NU: 2016, 19, 21]

A modern poet can be described as one who writes in the modernist tradition. He is different from traditional forms to reflect the culture and realities of the 20th century. Walt Whitman (1819–1892) is such an american poet. He broke from old traditions. He created a new path for modern verse. His work is a bridge to the twentieth century. He introduced new themes and styles. He wrote about the self and the crowd. He found beauty in cities and death. He truly is the first modern American poet. 

New Style and Free Verse: Whitman broke the old poetic pattern. He did not follow rhyme or meter. His lines move like natural speech. His rhythm grows from feeling, not rules. His free verse opened a new way. He used long, flowing sentences full of images. He wrote for heart and not for form. The following line in “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” shows deep pain in simple rhythm:

“O powerful western fallen star!”

This natural freedom made poetry modern and real.

Modern View of Death: Whitman saw death in a new light. He did not fear death like the past poets. He accepted it as part of life’s flow. He called death “lovely and soothing.” He saw death as a door to peace. In “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d,” he said, 

“Come lovely and soothing death,” 

This line shows calm wisdom. His peaceful tone about death sounds modern. It gives comfort instead of horror. This positive view changed the old tragic idea.

New Humanism and Equality: Whitman’s faith in mankind was strong. He believed all people share one soul. He respected every class, race, and sex. His poems join the self with all others. In “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d,” he said, 

“Lo, body and soul—this land,” 

This line shows the unity between man