Walt Whitman – Flashcards
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When and where was Walt Whitman born?
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1819 in Boston
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When did Walt Whitman die?
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1892
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Was Whitman famous during his life?
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Nope. Pretty much ignored during his life. :-(
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What was Whitman's sexual preference?
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Open bi-sexual. Rare in the 1800s
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Was Walt Whitman rich?
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No, born to poor parents
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What type of education did Walt Whitman have?
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Public school till 11 then education ended; Didn't go to college because family didn't have money and they are in the romantic period (started 1836)
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Who did Walt Whitman apprentice with?
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a type setter, then he became one
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What is Walt Whitman known for?
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*He was a humanist and part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works.
*Among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called the father of free verse.
*His work was very controversial in its time, particularly his poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described as obscene for its overt sexuality.
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What period was Whitman born in?
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Born in enlightenment period not relevant
Education was important
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In his early life, Whitman was mostly a...
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reporter. He voed the city and adventure in it
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When did Whitman write his first book of poetry? What was it called?
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1855 at age 36. Leaves of Grass
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When did Whitman write his last book?
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1855 at age 36 (he only wrote one!) but Leaves of Grass was edited and republished many times to reflect how Whitman's life changed (as life changes, book will change with it)
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What was the name of Whitman's book?
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Leaves of Grass
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What caused Whitman to take a break from writing?
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Civil War (1860-67); he was in DC for several years nursing wounded (no sterile conditions)
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What did Emerson think of Whitman's book?
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He loved it.
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What were the themes of Leaves of Grass?
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Themes flow from romantics.
True to yourself ideas.
Liked individuals - all meaning individuals
Love binds individuals
Government should only be there to help individuals
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In one of Walt Whitman's poems a child dies. What happens to his soul?
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It is merged with the sky
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Why does Whitman view sex as a good metaphor?
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Sex is a physical connection like a spiritual connection to oversoul. As such, Whitman used lots of sexual metaphors (Emerson didn't like that)
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What did Whitman say to Emerson's criticisms of his book?
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Whitman viewed himself as more open to new ideas because he is younger. He replied that Emerson didn't understand what he didn't like and he was just being himself. Whitman used more than sexual Imagery and natural imagery
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What was Whitman's view of predetermined patterns in poetry?
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He preferred free verse. He felt people who were true individuals wouldn't use predetermined rhythmical patterns. He believed that people should make their own patterns and vary rhythms and rhymes.
