How Is Walt Whitman Relevant Today

“Each belongs here or anywhere just as much as the welloff… just as much as you, Each has his or her place in the procession” (Whitman 95). Walt Whitman is an essential figure in American literature. He has joined the ranks of other great poets of the age such as Emerson and Thoreau. Whitman’s Leaves of Grass is the product of a unique mind that had strong ideas on various aspects of both humanity and life as a whole. This interesting man also goes into unchartered territory with his detailed sexual discussion to bringing light to humanity and equality which he obviously thought should be a part of our culture. Although the American audience was initially not entirely receptive of the viewpoints that Whitman had to offer, his poetry still lives on to be very relevant today and has been greatly admired. By discussing the topics of nature, humanity, America, and life in general, Whitman seems to enlighten his audiences on new perspectives through his exploration on these different topics with the great
It is apparent that he wished to use his poetry to help others live more freely and equally. He had many ideas that were troubling to comprehend throughout his project but he made sure that certain ideas were explicit for the reader to understand. For example, throughout the text he often describes the immortality of humanity. At one point he declares, “I swear I think there is nothing but immortality” (Whitman 83). Also, much like the opening quote there are many instances of Whitman attempting to send a message advocating for general equality among humans. Another line states, “In all people I see myself, none more and not one a barleycorn less, And the good or bad I say of myself I say of them” (Whitman 35). Oftentimes Whitman creates a comparison that stresses the similarities and the lack of differences between different