Whitman: A Study

"Whitman: A Study" by John Burroughs is a look into the world of Walt Whitman's poetry and ideas in the late 1800s. Burroughs explores Whitman's life and how it shaped his writing, arguing that Whitman's poems broke away from old traditions and changed American literature. At the start, Burroughs shares his love for Whitman and the wild landscapes he connects with the poet. Remembering when he first read Whitman, Burroughs talks about being both amazed and puzzled. He admits that Whitman's style can be hard to understand but also points out Whitman's powerful personality, which makes his writing even stronger and encourages people to see Whitman as more than just a poet, but as a symbol of freedom and humanism.