Analyzing Whitman

Walt Whitman spent many years writing his Song and yet he tells us that “writing and talking do not prove me”. He celebrates the sensuality and sexuality of humanity and yet laments that “my lovers suffocate me”. He tells of bloody massacres and what grass is. He admires humanity and yet wishes to live with the animals. He celebrates his contradictions. Walt Whitman is a contradiction, himself. He broadly proclaims what he is, he is a kosmos, he is the poet, and he is the lover.

            Walt Whitman's blatant homosexuality would have been quite a shock to those living in America in 1955. In that time to come out of the closet meant to go into a mental hospital for serious psychological help (with the aid of a few wires and some electricity). In order to get a good review, Whitman had to anonymously write one himself or glide on the praise of Emerson by shamelessly putting it into the newspaper.  His poems were a new sentiment in America. No more of the stuffy style of the British. Walt Whitman could be said to have created the true American verse. Emily Dickinson might not have written poetry the way she did if not for the wild abandon of Whitman who did what few Americans were willing to do, let go of the European form of writing and truly settle into an American way of expressing poetry. No meters or schemes, just words on the page.

            Whitman's arrogance and self confidence make his work refreshing. By celebrating himself, he also encourages everyone to also celebrate themselves. He dotes upon himself, upon his body, his spirit, his soul. He proclaims that every moment spent living is one to be spent with joy. He observes people and takes a genuine notice in how they work. He loves the sound of the human voice. He wants to see and hear all that life has to offer. He says it is lucky just to be born. He claims that simply being who he is is enough, no need to prove himself to anyone, and yet he wants a good review enough to write one himself. Is this more of Whitman's ego or a genuine need to be admired by others? In other words, is all of his poetry just a way of trying to feel as confident as his works proclaim? If he is so large that he contains multitudes, why not ask them for a good review? He says he might not tell everyone his secrets but he will tell the reader. If he intends for everyone to read his work then he will tell everyone. A contradition.

            Whitman even seems to compare himself to Jesus in the following lines, “whoever degrades another degrades me/ and whatever is done or said returns to me”. That's a pretty lofty comparison, comparing oneself to Jesus.  He claims that if he worships anything it will be his own body. Is Walt Whitman God? Should we be worshipping Whitman?