Leading American Poet

Walt Whitman | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Update : February 16, 2025

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Who is Walt Whitman?

Walt Whitman, born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, Long Island, New York, is celebrated as one of America's most transformative and influential poets. Often referred to as the "Bard of Democracy," Whitman's writing aimed to break away from traditional poetic forms, crafting a new voice that resonated with the American spirit and ideals of freedom and individuality. His groundbreaking collection, "Leaves of Grass", first published in 1855, presented a raw and intimate style that reflected on the human experience, America, and the interconnectedness of life. Originally met with controversy and resistance, it has since been recognized as a cornerstone of American literature.

Throughout his life, Whitman was deeply engaged with the social issues of his time, including slavery and the struggles of soldiers during the Civil War. His volunteer work as a nurse during the war had a profound impact on his poetry, leading to collections such as "Drum Taps" (1865). Whitman's poetry celebrated the human body, love, and brotherhood, often blurring the lines of sexuality, which was considered radical for his era. As he continued to revise and expand "Leaves of Grass", Whitman not only chronicled his own experiences but captured the tumultuous shifts occurring in America, embodying the values of democracy and self-expression that he held dear.

Early Life and Education

Walt Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, Long Island, New York, as the second of Louisa Van Velsor and Walter Whitman's eight surviving children. Growing up in a family of modest means, Whitman's childhood was marked by his father's unsuccessful attempts to regain lost wealth through various occupations, including farming and carpentry. This struggle for economic stability exposed Whitman to the challenges of life in America, planting the seeds for his profound love of the country and its democratic ideals. His family's admiration for American heroes also fostered an early sense of patriotism, which would later resonate throughout his literary works.

At the age of 11, Whitman left formal education to contribute to the family’s income. He began working as an office boy for a legal firm and then transitioned into the printing business, further cultivating his interest in literature and journalism. His brief stint teaching in rural Long Island, lasting five years, frustrated him due to poor working conditions. In 1841, Whitman shifted his focus to journalism, founding the weekly publication Long Islander, although it ultimately folded. His early experiences in education and journalism would play an integral role in shaping his voice and vision as a groundbreaking poet, laying the groundwork for his future literary success.

Opinionated Journalist: Career Beginnings

At the age of 17, Walt Whitman embarked on a teaching career that spanned five years throughout various locations in Long Island. Despite his initial enthusiasm, he quickly grew disillusioned with the profession due to the harsh teaching conditions and his own personal frustrations. Whitman's loathing for the constraints of the educational system led him to abandon teaching in 1841, setting his sights on journalism as his new calling.

In pursuit of this new path, Whitman launched the weekly newspaper, the Long Islander, in 1838; however, the publication was short-lived. He then returned to New York City, where he expanded his journalistic endeavors and writings in fiction. By 1846, he had secured the position of editor at the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, a prominent newspaper that offered him a platform to express his opinions on a variety of topics, including women's rights and labor issues. His strong viewpoints and controversial stances often put him at odds with his employers, leading to a tumultuous career in journalism.

Leaves of Grass: A Literary Revolution

Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" marked a monumental shift in American literature when it was first published in 1855. Eschewing traditional poetic forms, Whitman embraced free verse, using an expansive and conversational style that mirrored the democratic ideals he cherished. With its bold themes of individuality, sexuality, and the human experience, "Leaves of Grass" challenged societal norms and established a unique voice in poetry. Despite initial controversy, the work laid the groundwork for modern literature, proving that poetry could transcend established boundaries and express the complexities of life in a newly democratic America.

The collection began with a mere twelve poems, yet it was continuously revised and expanded over the years, ultimately featuring more than 300 poems by the time of Whitman’s death in 1892. Each new edition reflected his evolving thoughts and experiences, particularly his observations on war, love, and the human spirit. Iconic pieces such as "Song of Myself" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd" encapsulated his reflections on identity and loss. Through his innovative approach, Whitman not only transformed American poetry but also encouraged readers to explore their own identities within the tapestry of a diverse and vibrant nation.

Hardships of the Civil War

During the tumultuous years of the American Civil War, Walt Whitman was profoundly affected by the relentless violence and suffering that surrounded him. In late 1862, driven by concern for his brother George, a Union soldier, he traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia. This marked the beginning of his volunteer efforts as a nurse, culminating in a selfless commitment that saw him visiting hospitals and caring for wounded soldiers. Whitman's estimates suggest he made around 600 visits, attending to an astonishing 80,000 to 100,000 patients. These experiences not only impacted him emotionally and physically but also reignited his passion for poetry.

Whitman's volunteer work served as a catalyst for his poetic expression during the war. In 1865, he published "Drum-Taps," a collection that depicted the raw emotions of war and the realities faced by soldiers, encapsulated in compelling pieces like "Beat! Beat! Drums!" and "Vigil Strange I Kept on the Field One Night." The poems resonate with a somber but honest portrayal of the war's brutality, revealing Whitman's deep empathy for the suffering of others. This collection was pivotal, showcasing his ability to meld personal experience with broader themes of human connection and loss, solidifying his legacy as a voice of the American spirit during one of its darkest times.

Personal Life: Relationship with Peter Doyle

Walt Whitman's relationship with Peter Doyle marked a significant and intimate chapter in the poet's life. After the Civil War, Whitman met Doyle, a young Confederate soldier who worked as a train conductor. Their bond quickly blossomed into a romantic connection, revealing Whitman's quiet history of forming deep attachments to younger men, a taboo subject in the context of the 19th century. Doyle, caring and supportive, played a vital role in Whitman's life, especially as the poet’s health began to decline.

Throughout their relationship, which endured various shifts and challenges, Doyle became Whitman's companion and caregiver. This connection was not just personal; it was a lifeline for Whitman as he battled declining health and the emotional weight of his past. While rumors and societal expectations caused strain, the two maintained a lasting friendship. Whitman's artistic endeavors and personal reflections were enriched through this relationship, illustrating how deeply intertwined his life experiences were with his literary output.

Net Worth and Earning: Financial Struggles

Walt Whitman's financial journey was marked by significant struggles throughout his life, shaped largely by the unstable economic conditions of his early years. Born into a family of modest means in 1819, Whitman's father faced challenges in reclaiming lost wealth from their ancestral farmland. As young Walt was forced to leave school at age 11 to contribute to the household income, he began working various jobs, including as an office boy and later in the printing industry. Despite his passion for writing and journalism, a series of failed newspapers and inconsistent income contributed to his financial woes.

The publication of his groundbreaking collection, "Leaves of Grass", in 1855 did not bring immediate financial success. Initially, the self-published book received little attention and could only afford a small print run. Subsequent editions were criticized, which compounded his financial difficulties as the economic climate shifted, especially with the advent of the Civil War, which further strained his resources. Whitman faced periods of poverty and uncertainty, causing him to rely on the support of family and friends, highlighting the disconnect between his literary genius and monetary compensation.