Whitm War Changes A Society - 1287 Words

Whitman: War Changes a Society Walt Whitman, a great American poet to be compared to Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allan Poe, exists at the heart of American culture. Whitman’s work has not lost its appeal because it still applies to America in the new millennia; America is still deeply troubled by issues of division, hypocrisy, and racism—much unlike the America of inclusion and forbearance Whitman envisioned for American in Leaves of Grass. Although Leaves of Grass is often considered Whitman’s most influential work, Whitman spent eighty-five chapters of his autobiography discussing his war experiences, even though his life through 1860 seemed to be the years crucial to the background of Leaves. When considering Whitman’s view that the war†¦show more content†¦The captain is representative of Lincoln, whom Whitman identified with. Lincoln was a symbol of authority and power that Whitman felt he could believe in. Lincoln was someone who had become a great leader from humble beginnings. For Whitman, Lincoln was â€Å"†¦the president who defended the freedom and integrity of the United States against the perpetuation of the odious institution of slavery† (Campo 126). Lincoln was the â€Å"Redeemer President† Whitman had sought for so long. In the poem, after a long, dangerous voyage, the speaker, a sailor on the ship, yells at the captain of the ship to let him know they have finally arrived home safe and sound. Although the trip was obviously arduous, the crew has succeeded in their mission; the speaker states that â€Å"the prize we sought is won† (Kaplan 467). The ship approaches the harbor, its home. Arriving in the harbor, would suggest safety and the conclusion of the crew’s long, treacherous journey. If Lincoln is the ship’s captain, then the ship represents the voyage of the United States as a whole. â€Å"The fearful trip† (Kaplan 467) is the country’s civil war and i ts journey toward a peaceful solution and reunion of the country. As the crew approaches this symbol of wellbeing, the people at the port cheer, â€Å"the people all exulting† (Kaplan 467). Despite the happiness of the people awaiting the ship and crew, the ship is described as â€Å"grim and