Walt Whitman

First known for his controversial book of poetry, Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman was thought to be vulgar and immoral. Whitman was unorthodox in form as well as content. In his poetry, the line was a rhythmical unit and meter was disregarded, but most of his poems achieved a musical effect. His major themes included the sacredness of the self, the beauty of death, the quality of all people, the love of comrades, and the immortality of the soul. This program explores his life and major works.