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Whitman's selfsong. (Walt Whitman)

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From: The Southern Review
Date: 19960622
Author:Snodgrass, W.D.

Walt Whitman's work shows many influences, but ultimately may be understood as a self-representation of his life, beliefs, and sexuality. "Leaves of Grass" and the poem "Song of Myself" provide numerous examples of his unique style, use of poetic structure, and line and rhythm patterns. Whitman's work was his way of revealing himself and his homosexuality to the world.

"Whitman was more man than you'll ever be," said my student -- not, I trusted, meaning me personally -- "and more bitch, too." Neat as that, he had pinned down a crucial element of Whitman's character as a person and ...

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