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Walt Whitman - Biography

Whitman's Biography: Life, Creativity and Impact on American Literature

Walt (Walt Whitman) is a name that is associated with American lyrical genius and one of the most influential poets in the history of the United States. His work, including the famous collection of poems "Songs of Self-Love" ("Leaves of Grass"), has become a symbol of American democracy, freedom and civic identity. In this biography, we look at key moments in his life, his influence on American literature, and his most famous works.

Walt was born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, New York, to a Quaker family. His childhood was modest but rich in books and knowledge. Already at an early age, he showed interest in literature and began to write poetry. His grandfather, who was an activist during the American Revolution, had a huge influence on Walt and inspired him with civic activism.

Walt began his career as a teacher and journalist. He worked for various newspapers and publications, but his real passion has always been poetry. In 1855, he published his first collection of poems, "Songs of Self-Love," which became his life work and poetic manifesto.

"Songs of Self-Love" was a revolutionary work of its time. In them, Whitman expressed the idea of ​ ​ harmony with nature, self-awareness and individual freedom. His poems were distinguished by their free form and frankness, in which he described sexuality, death, nature and human feelings. This collection became a classic of American poetry and has since been republished and translated into numerous languages.

Walt was a proponent of the idea of ​ ​ "self-love," which meant love and respect for oneself and for humanity as a whole. He believed in harmony between man and nature, and in the importance of individuality and freedom of expression. His philosophy was inspired by transcendentalism and romanticism, but he gave it a unique American dimension.