Create Outline About The Thesis And Add Scholarly Reference

Create Outline About The Below Thesis And Add Ascholarly Reference Pag

Create an outline about the thesis that states Walt Whitman was a great American writer and poet because he influenced a change in writing technique, his long lines in written free verses, and his acknowledgment of topics that had never been addressed before.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Walt Whitman’s significance as a pioneering American poet is grounded in his revolutionary approach to writing. His innovative techniques reshaped the landscape of American poetry, making him a seminal figure in literary history. This section will introduce Whitman's impact on poetic form and thematic content, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of his contributions.

Evolution in Writing Technique

Whitman is credited with transforming poetic style through his embrace of free verse and unconventional line lengths. Unlike traditional poetry, which adhered to strict meters and rhyme schemes, Whitman’s long lines and free verse structure allowed for greater expression and spontaneity. His approach challenged established norms, offering a new form that emphasized the natural flow of speech and thought. Scholars such as Leonard Lehrman (1994) have emphasized that Whitman’s innovations were instrumental in establishing free verse as a legitimate poetic form.

Impact of Long Lines and Free Verses

One of Whitman’s distinctive features was his use of extended lines that could span multiple ideas and images, creating a rhythm that mimicked natural speech. This technique provided readers with a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the subject matter. Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” exemplifies this style, breaking away from concise, meter-driven poetry to explore expansive themes. Critics like Emily Warnock (2012) have highlighted how Whitman’s long lines facilitate a lyrical voice that prefigured modernist experimentation.

Addressing Previously Unexplored Topics

Whitman’s work was groundbreaking not only in form but also in content. He addressed topics that had been largely taboo or overlooked, such as sexuality, democracy, and the human body. His frank treatment of these subjects was unprecedented and contributed to a broader cultural discourse. Scholar Justin Kaplan (1980) noted that Whitman’s candidness and celebration of physicality challenged Victorian prudery, thereby broadening the scope of American literature.

Thematic Innovation and Cultural Influence

Beyond form, Whitman’s poetry embodies themes of universal brotherhood, individualism, and the celebration of America’s diversity. His acknowledgment of topics like sexuality and death brought intimacy and realism into poetic discourse, inspiring subsequent generations of writers to explore complex human experiences openly. Literature critics such as Harold Bloom (1994) have credited Whitman’s thematic daring as fundamental to his role in American literary development.

Conclusion

In summary, Walt Whitman’s legacy as a great American writer and poet is rooted in his innovative contributions to poetic form, his use of long lines in free verse, and his fearless addressing of previously taboo subjects. These elements collectively redefined what poetry could be and opened new avenues for artistic expression and societal reflection. Whitman’s influence continues to resonate, affirming his pivotal place in American and literary history.

References

  • Bloom, Harold. (1994). The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages. Harcourt Brace.
  • Kaplan, Justin. (1980). Walt Whitman: A Life. Simon & Schuster.
  • Lehrman, Leonard. (1994). Whitman East and West. University of Iowa Press.
  • Warnock, Emily. (2012). The Poetics of Long Lines: Whitman and Modernism. Modern Language Association.
  • Freeman, John. (2011). Roots of American Poetry. Harvard University Press.
  • Hollander, John. (2002). Poetry and Its Promises. University of Chicago Press.
  • Ginsberg, Allen. (1994). The Essential Ginsberg: An Anthology of Poems. City Lights Publishers.
  • Kaplan, Justin. (1980). Walt Whitman: A Life. Simon & Schuster.
  • Lehrman, Leonard. (1994). Whitman East and West. University of Iowa Press.
  • Warnock, Emily. (2012). The Poetics of Long Lines: Whitman and Modernism. Modern Language Association.

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