FAQ About Walt Whitman
How did society view Walt Whitman's work during his lifetime?
During his lifetime, Walt Whitman's work was both celebrated and criticized. While some contemporaries appreciated his innovative style and the democratic themes in his poetry, others were scandalized by his candid treatment of sensuality and the human body. His lack of adherence to traditional poetic forms also puzzled and alienated some critics. Despite initial resistance, Whitman's work gained a following and was eventually celebrated for its originality and significance in American literature.
