Whitman as a Modern Poet

Modern poetry refers to poetry written between 1890 and 1950 in the tradition of modernist literature. Walt Whitman (1819-1892) is often considered a pioneering modern poet because of his innovative style, themes and approach to poetry. His works break away from traditional forms. It embraces free verse and focuses on individuality, democracy and the complexity of human experience. Whitman’s poetry demonstrates his modern sensibilities and marks him as pivotal in the transition to modernist literature.

 

Whitman was widely awake to his times, and aware of the rhythms of modern life. The American Civil War proved a turning point in her political and literary history. After that, the American nation ushered in a new era of modern reconstruction. The American literature during this period flourished in a fresh and free atmosphere. Some of the writers broke away from the traditions of the past and emerge as modern writers. Walt Whitman was one of them; he sang of the American nation and American people in his poetry. He brought about some innovations in the poetic art and technique which characterize him as a modern poet. His poems on Nature for instance show the harmony in Nature. His work also has a halo of mysticism, which is a result of the influence of oriental literature. His poems reflect the nation in the making. It shows his admiration towards the Leader of the Nation. He speaks of Mankind in general. He glories in the soul and the body. The soul transcends the physical limits. It assumes cosmic dimensions. The poet Whitman becomes the poet of the entire universe when he identifies himself with all animate and inanimate objects in the world. His works expound his acceptance of the supremacy of the divine force- the Creator.

 

One of the hallmarks of modern poetry is the break from traditional forms and meters. He introduced a new pattern of rhythm into his poetry. His rhythm is born of a balance between the short and the long lines or vice-versa. He discarded the two traditional elements of poetical style rhyme and meter. His rhythm is the rhythm is the rhythm of prose verse. Whitman’s use of free verse in “When Lilacs Last in The Dooryard Bloom’d” (1865) is a clear example of this modern approach. Unlike many earlier poems’ structured rhyme and meter, Whitman’s lines flow freely, mimicking natural speech and thought.

          Democracy is a modernist tendency in literature and Whitman presented himself as a strong advocate of American democracy. He tried to encompass the whole America, the whole gamut of her activities. He found his subjects among all sorts and conditions; his catalogues symbolize the equalizing process of democracy. He broke with the traditions of poetic contentions and techniques. Though he had a great trouble in learning out the political touches, he succeeded at last. He changed the traditional conception.

“Of life immense in passion, pulse and power cheerful, for freest action formed under the modern man I sing”. Laws define with fresh outlook on life, he realized that he required an original type of verse form. The old types where he thought, fit only for the old topics from myths, religions and feudal wars and aristocracy. He wanted to write in a frank, crude and realistic manner. Consistent with his love for democracy, he made use of the voice of the people, the richness and beauty. He urged the contemporary poets to do away with the ‘delicate lady words’ and ‘gloved gentleman words.

Modern poetry also emphasizes exploring individual experiences. It delves into the personal emotions, thoughts and perceptions. Whitman’s O Captain! My Captain!” (1865) is a poignant example of this focus. The poem is a personal elegy for President Abraham Lincoln, whom Whitman admired deeply. Here he says, “O Captain! My Captain! Rise up and hear the bells;”. The line reveals an intimate connection to the fallen leader. It highlights the modernist theme of personal grief amidst a broader historical context.

From Whitman’s work we identify that contemporary social and political issues play an important role. “O Captain! My Captain!”  is a personal elegy and a reflection on the nation’s state after the Civil War. We see this poem captures a collective grief of a country mourning for its leader while celebrating the union’s victory.  Two completely different types of emotions- victory and loss- reflects the complexity of modern life. Whitman’s ability to address in this way marks him as a modern poet.

In conclusion, Walt Whitman’s poetry embodies many characteristics of modern poetry. His innovative use of free verse, exploration of personal and collective experiences, and symbolism highlights his role as a modern poet. Thus, walt Whitman is a modern poet.