Do you think Whitman is a poet of revolutionary spirit?
Song of Myself is a notable literary work by Walt Whitman. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Song of Myself.
Answer
Do you think Whitman is a poet of revolutionary spirit?
A poet of revolutionary spirit is one who inspires change through words. Walt Whitman (1819–1892) was a poet of bold and new ideas. His “Song of Myself” (1855) broke all old poetic rules. He brought new themes, language, and form to poetry. He celebrated freedom, equality, and the common man.
New Themes and Ideas: Whitman was the first poet to sing of democracy and equality. He believed that all people are equal. He says,
“For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.”
This shows his faith in human brotherhood. His poetry praises freedom and the dignity of every person. Such ideas were new and revolutionary in his time.
New Style and Form: Whitman rejected old verse forms. He used free verse, without rhyme or meter. His lines are long, rhythmic, and natural. He says,
“I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.”
This line shows his wild and free voice. He spoke in the language of the people, not of scholars. His simple yet grand style broke the limits of old poetry.
Revolutionary Spirit in Vision: Whitman’s poetry celebrates new life, energy, and hope. He believes in progress and change. He praises both body and soul, life and death. His broad and free vision made him a true poet of modern man and the modern world.
In conclusion, Whitman’s poetry changed the course of literature. His free style, human vision, and bold themes made him a revolutionary poet. He gave poetry a new voice of freedom, equality, and universal life.