Walt Whitman (1819-1892)

Walt Whitman was born in a small village and spent his childhood in the country. From an early age, he loved nature and the outdoors.

His parents were poor and could not give him a good education. After finishing grammar school, he tried many different jobs. He worked as a printer, school teacher, newspaper reporter and editor, and carpenter. During the Civil War, he helped in army hospitals, and after the war he worked as a clerk in government offices. All the time, he wrote poems, but publishers refused to print them because they were unusual.

In 1855, Whitman published his poems in the book “Leaves of Grass”. This became his most famous work. The book included both his early poems and those written after the Civil War. His early poems show his bright and optimistic view of life. Whitman believed that through struggle, people can understand the joys of life. Many of his poems were about the workers and farmers of his country, praising their hard work and skills.

Whitman also cared deeply about African Americans and wrote poems where they were heroes. During the Civil War, he supported the North and the struggle of the people for freedom and justice. All his life, he fought against slavery and oppression.

Walt Whitman was a true democrat. He can be called the founder of the democratic school of American poetry because his work shows love for ordinary people and faith in justice.