"Walt Whitman's America"

Charles So

English 48B

March 11, 2011

Journal for Whitman Biography

Author Quote:

"When fused by Whitman with the literary pun on "leaves" (meaning the pages of a book), the scientific reference reflected his dream that the book, like grass leaves, would sprout in all regions and nourish its readers." (241)

Internet Quote:

"Whitman had a messianic vision of himself as the quintessential democratic poet who could cure the many ills of his materialistic, politically fractured society. Having absorbed America, he expected America to absorb him and be mended in the process." ( X Preface Walt Whitman's America by David S. Reynolds)

Summary:

During an incredible resurgence in American religion, a time in which it may be called the Second Great Awakening, several new denominations and sects were created such as Mormonism and other forms of millennial ism groups. Strongly influenced by such movements "particularly  to the interrelated movements of spiritualism, Swedenborgianism, and Harmonialism, Whitman professes these new ideas through Leaves of Grass.

Personal Opinion:
Walt Whitman through his poetry was a man who used writing as a voice. Through his writing he professed his ideas on war, politics, sexuality, race, physical states, and spiritual states. By becoming somewhat of a mystic type of person, i feel that Whitman became a spokesman/writer for the people with a non-conformist attitudes and for the people who want a better society. With his graceful way of introducing his ideas and beliefs there is a sense of Utopia in his message for the world.