Walt Whitman Essay Research Paper In parting — страница 3

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pattern at the end of lines, he uses it to add emphasis to a certain passage. In this particular passage, the rhyme adds emphasis to the fact that there are no absolute or direct answers to the concerns Whitman addresses in the poem. Still, the true genius in Whitman?s style, is his ability to not only address the thoughts, emotions, and concerns of a living man, but mirror the living flow of these qualities in his lyrical style. Yet, there is a disadvantage to Whitman?s style that the reader may or may not encounter. Difficulties in reading Whitman arise in his lack of traditional regularity, form, and design. There is something to be said of reading a poem, which is neatly packaged within the confines of a pre-designed structure. It provides a level comfort that goes hand in

hand with familiarity. When reading a traditional British poem, we know to expect certain themes and structures (which present these themes). When we come across something as unpredictable as Whitman?s style, we may spend more time deciphering Whitman?s themes or following Whitman?s structures, than experiencing the poem in its entirety. However, Whitman?s effectiveness remains a matter of personal preference. It may be true that following Whitman?s unpredictable style evokes more thoughtful analysis than in traditional poems. It also may be true that it is easier for some to follow Whitman?s flow of human consciousness. Was Whitman revolutionary in his style? The answer is both yes and no. Yes, he pioneered a new tradition in American literature, a tradition which influence

continues to be felt in modern literary circles (one being modern day English classes across the country). Yet, his ?divine style? is not new. Its roots can be traced to many classical cultures, and eastern cultures that span the globe. However, it remains to be said that Whitman led a personal crusade against what he believed was an ornamental style. Whether motivated by thirst for publicity (Whitman was somewhat of a public celebrity in his day), true literary idealism, or both, Whitman forged his own literary style to convey his themes of the ?living? individual, free from any constrains of formal poetry. This freedom of thought, this unpredictability of action, has made Walt Whitman a quintessential example of American individualism.