The Three Characters in Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass

📖Walt Whitman introduces a persona, distinct from the historical Whitman, in his poetry collection Leaves of Grass.

🎩Whitman eulogizes Abraham Lincoln and portrays him as a hero in several poems.

👥Whitman addresses the audience directly, inviting them to engage with the poems and participate in the discussion.

🖋️Whitman wrote his poems to be read aloud and discussed, emphasizing the importance of oral tradition and collective absorption of the work.

🇺🇸Leaves of Grass serves as a literary embodiment of America, absorbing the nation's diverse experiences and identities.

Who is the Walt Whitman persona in Leaves of Grass?

—The Walt Whitman persona is a mythical creation in the poems, separate from the historical Walt Whitman. It allows Whitman to insert himself into any narrative and understand every person's life.

How does Walt Whitman portray Abraham Lincoln in his poems?

—Whitman eulogizes Lincoln as both his captain and his star. He considers Lincoln a hero who lived for liberty.

Why does Whitman address the audience directly in his poems?

—Whitman wanted to interact with his audience face to face. He frequently addresses readers directly, encouraging discussion and expecting a response.

How did Walt Whitman intend his poems to be experienced?

—Whitman wrote his poems to be read aloud and discussed, emphasizing the importance of oral tradition and collective absorption of his work.

What is the significance of Leaves of Grass for America?

—Leaves of Grass serves as a literary embodiment of America, capturing the nation's diverse experiences and identities.

00:01Walt Whitman's poetry collection Leaves of Grass features three essential characters: the persona, Abraham Lincoln, and the audience.

00:14Whitman introduces a persona distinct from the historical self, allowing him to insert himself into any narrative.

01:08Whitman eulogizes Abraham Lincoln in several poems, describing him as a hero who lived for liberty.

01:31Whitman addresses the audience directly, expecting their engagement and frequently using rhetorical questions.

01:45Whitman intended his poems to be read aloud and discussed to enable collective absorption of the work.