Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman (English: Walt Whitman, May 31, 1819 - March 26, 1892), American poet, essayist, journalist and humanist. He was in the period of change between transcendentalism and realism, and his works merged the styles of both. Whitman is considered one of the most influential poets in the history of American literature and is known as the father of free verse. His writings were controversial at the time, especially his famous collection of poems "Leaves of Grass," which was once classified as obscene because of its bold descriptions of sex. Born in Huntington, Long Island, in addition to literary creation, Whitman also worked as a journalist, teacher, government clerk, and volunteered as a nurse during the American Civil War. He also published the prohibition novel Franklin Ivan (1842) early in his career. Whitman's important work "Leaves of Grass" was self-published in 1855 in an attempt to make American epic accessible to the general public. He continued to add and delete the work until his death in 1892. After a stroke late in life, he moved to Kenton, New Jersey, where his condition continued to deteriorate. Whitman died at the age of 72. His funeral was subsequently held in public, with many attendees and a spectacular scene. Whitman's sexuality, like his poetry, is often the subject of discussion. Although biographers continue to argue about his sexuality, in terms of love and affection, Whitman is usually considered to be gay or bisexual. However, biographers remain divided over whether Whitman had any actual sexual experience with men. Whitman had always been very concerned about politics during his lifetime. He upheld the Wilmot Proviso and generally opposed the expansion of slavery. His poems displayed racial egalitarian views, and he once openly called for the abolition of slavery, but later viewed the abolitionist movement as an obstacle to democracy.