Walt Whitman Is Perhaps One Of The Most Celebrated ✓ Solved

```html

Walt Whitman Walt Whitman is perhaps one of the most celebrated

Walt Whitman is perhaps one of the most celebrated American poets of the late 19th century. The sexual undertones of his poetry as well as his sexual orientation made him a most controversial figure during his time. Whitman is particularly interesting as he was part of the transition between American Transcendentalism and Realism. According to Donna Campbell, “American transcendentalism was an important movement in philosophy and literature that flourished during the early to middle years of the nineteenth century. It began as a reform movement in the Unitarian church. For the transcendentalists, the soul of each individual is identical with the soul of the world and contains what the world contains.” As you read, you should be able to notice this philosophy being expressed in Whitman’s poetry. In fact, his poem, “Song of Myself,” Whitman clearly states the premise when he writes, “I celebrate myself, and sing myself, / And what I assume you shall assume, / For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.” Read more about Walt Whitman at the Walt Whitman Archive.

Discussion Board: Get a conversation going about the literature listed on this page! You need to create at least one "new post" and reply to at least 3 of your classmates to get full credit for this assignment. Your "new post" should be words; replies can be 30-40 words.

The Victorian Era is defined by the reign of Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland. However, she ruled over the vast, worldwide British Empire. She ascended the throne in June 1837 and ruled until her death on January 22, 1901. The period is important to American literature because the thinking of time influenced life around the world, not just in the United Kingdom. The period was defined by tremendous scientific progress and ideas, with advancement in many areas that ultimately led to the world we live in today.

The Industrial Revolution created a consumer economy and a huge middle class with purchasing power. Specifically for the United States, the era was filled with social, economic, and scientific change. Citizens approached those changes in an enthusiastic manner. They made their decisions based on what they knew, what they expected, and what they hoped for at that time.

Realism and Naturalism are literary movements closely linked. Definition of Realism: Realist literature is defined as the fiction produced in Europe and the United States from about 1840 until 1890, when realism was superseded by naturalism. This form of realism began in France, and its main tenet is that writers must not select facts in accord with preconceived aesthetic ideals but must set down their observations impartially and objectively.

Definition of Naturalism: The Naturalism movement grew out of Realism. Naturalism is an extension of Realism with the addition of materialistic determinism. This movement focuses on applying scientific principles of objectivity and detachment and studying human beings as 'human beasts,' governed by their instincts and passions as well as the ways in which their lives were governed by forces of heredity and environment.

Paper For Above Instructions

Walt Whitman, a pivotal figure in American literature, is widely celebrated as one of the most significant poets of the 19th century. His works bridge the gap between Transcendentalism and Realism and reflect a deep engagement with themes of individualism, nature, and the collective human experience. Whitman's poetry, notably "Song of Myself," serves as a vibrant expression of these themes. He passionately embraces the self while asserting a universal connection among all individuals, stating, "For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you" (Whitman, 3). This line encapsulates the essence of Transcendentalism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.

Transcendentalism played a crucial role in shaping Whitman’s poetic vision. The movement, which thrived in the early to mid-19th century, celebrated the individual spirit and the inherent goodness of people. As Donna Campbell (n.d.) notes, this philosophical movement emphasized that each person’s soul is synonymous with the world’s soul. This ideology profoundly influences Whitman’s poetic voice, as he seeks to celebrate the beauty of the individual while embracing a collective consciousness.

Moreover, Whitman ventured into the harsh realities of life during the Civil War, where he served as a nurse. His experiences during this tumultuous period resulted in the poignant war poetry found in "Drum Taps." Poems like "Beat! Beat! Drums!" and "Vigil Strange I Kept on the Field One Night" reflect the emotional toll of war and the profound connections formed amidst suffering (Whitman, 1865). Whitman's unflinching portrayal of mortality and the human condition speaks volumes about his understanding of life’s fragility.

The Victorian Era contextualizes Whitman's work within a broader tapestry of social, scientific, and technological advancements. This period marked a transformative time in both England and America. As noted in "Remembering The Victorian Era" (2010), it was a time defined by tremendous scientific progress, including Darwin's theory of evolution and advancements in medicine and technology. These changes impacted literature and philosophy, with many writers seeking to explore the complexities of human nature and society.

The Industrial Revolution played a significant role in shaping societal structures in America, giving rise to a burgeoning middle class with new purchasing power. Scholars argue that the optimism and enthusiasm of the American citizen during this time profoundly influenced literary movements, including Realism. In this context, writers like Mark Twain and William Dean Howells sought to depict life as it was, often focusing on middle-class experiences (Encarta, n.d.).

Realism and Naturalism emerged as dominant literary movements in the late 19th century. Realism aimed to represent life faithfully, focusing on ordinary people and everyday events. As defined by Encarta, realist literature is characterized by an impartial and objective representation of facts. Authors depicted the lives and struggles of individuals without embellishments, promoting an authentic narrative that resonated with the growing middle class.

Naturalism, a philosophical extension of Realism, sought to delve deeper into the materialistic and deterministic aspects of life. As Clary (n.d.) describes, naturalistic writers apply scientific principles to study human behavior and social conditions, illustrating how heredity and environment influence one's fate. This philosophical shift led writers to create narratives that reflect the harsh realities of existence, often portraying characters as victims of their circumstances. Authors like Emile Zola epitomized this approach, emphasizing the role of external forces on human lives (Campbell, n.d.).

In juxtaposing Whitman’s work with both literary movements, one can appreciate the complexities of his poetry. While he engaged with transcendental ideals, his narratives often reflect the gritty realities of life during the Civil War, echoing the sentiments of Realism and Naturalism through the lens of individual experience. Whitman’s exploration of identity, death, and the universal connection across humanity resonates with readers, affirming his timeless relevance in the literary canon.

Ultimately, Whitman’s contribution to American literature transcends categorization within a single movement. His poetic voice captures the intricate interplay between individualism and collective existence, embodying the ideals of Transcendentalism while engaging with the realities of his time. The impact of the Victorian Era and the rise of Realism and Naturalism provide a rich backdrop for understanding the depth and significance of Whitman’s work, ensuring that his legacy endures in the hearts and minds of readers today.

References

• Campbell, Donna. “American Transcendentalism.” Faculty Website. Washington State University. n.d. Web.
• Clary, Bruce. “Natural Realism.” Course Handout. McPherson College. n.d. Web.
• “Encarta (Microsoft).” Realism (Art and Literature). AutoCWW Research Program. University of Colorado, Boulder. n.d. Web.
• “Remembering The Victorian Era.” Mountain Messenger. National Park Service. Summer/Fall 2010. Web.
• Whitman, Walt. Leaves of Grass. New York: Modern Library, 1900.
• “Emile Zola.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica. n.d. Web.
• “Claude Bernard: A Brief Biography.” Mind & Brain: Electronic Magazine on Neuroscience. n.d. Web.
• “Queen Victoria.” National Portrait Gallery. London. n.d. Web.
• “Bonjour, Monsieur Courbet.” Musée Fabre, Montpelier, France. n.d. Web.
• Hayter, George. Queen Victoria. 1860. The National Archives, London. Web.

```