Walt Whitman's Final Years
People are entitled to their opinions; such is this right that is bestowed upon us. How one is to interpret that opinion is subject to debate. Are we to fault a person for their certain beliefs, whatever they may be? Obviously, throughout history the many great thinkers that have come before us were opinionated people, which is why they were and have become such respected and enduring figures. That sentiment holds true for Walt Whitman. Often referred to as the "poet of democracy", Whitman settled in Camden in the early 1870's, where he had come to visit his dying mother at his brother's house. However, after suffering a stroke, Whitman found it impossible to return to Washington. He stayed with his brother until the 1882 publication of "Leaves of Grass", which gave Whitman enough money to purchase a modest home in Camden for the sum of $800. While in Camden, in addition to revising "Leaves of Grass", he continued to work on an assortment of manuscripts, as well as preparing his final volume of poems and prose, "Good-Bye, My Fancy". During his final years, a man by the name of Horace L. Traubel began recording his daily conversations with Whitman. His insight on an array of topics, from "Lea
Again to see him, to have his smile. Whitman's ability to see this in his own time, as well as foreshadowing it for modern times is uncanny. And its secret --what is its secret? To me a horrible show, strain--disgusting, ruinous, promising nothing. What was supposed to be a paper on Whitman's final years in Camden grew into much more. Think of it--the games they play--the travesty! To them life is but a game--a play, a frolic, devil-take-the-hindmost business. Though, one could make the argument that New York could be the epicenter for this, both yesterday and today. Though one could merely interpret him as being very matter of fact. And based solely upon that fact, how could you argue with him. That there could be a certain spontaneity of emotions when reading it, through every passage, something new to be discovered with each reading of it. To a New Yorker life is not lived a success if it be not planted in a background of money, goods: curtains, hangings, tapestries, carpets, elegant china. That smile! And after I had gone I had yet to go back. Other poets have written and written with unmistakable power, grandeur, but my mark has been a distinct one--must be so recognized.
Common topics in this essay:
Leaves Grass,
America York,
Camden Plenty,
Walt Whitman,
,
Grass Whitman,
Horace Traubel,
Bless--bless Coughed--choked--breathed,
Appreciation Simple,
Good-Bye Fancy,
leaves grass,
plenty seen eye,
dangers america,
deep deep,
appreciation simple,
horace traubel,
whitman's ability,
plenty seen,
walt whitman,
'leaves grass',
seen eye,
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Acceptance Essays
