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These letters to people around the world attempt to explain from a United States high school sophomore's perspective how Walt Whitman captures the spirit of the United States in his poetry from the 1800's.

Lindsay H, Dear Person from the Other Side of the World, As an enchanted observer of the American culture, from the Great Lakes to New Orleans to Brooklyn, Walt Whitman found America unique, full of spirit, and diversified. I became enthralled with Whitman’s ability to capture the spirit of the USA after reading several of his poems published under the title Leaves of Grass, and I wish to share this with you. In one of his poems, “I Hear America Singing”, he sees a distinctive American culture emerging from the melded races and backgrounds. Whitman recognizes all the men and women who make America strong, from the unnoticed housewife to the capable carpenter. Whitman states in one of his descriptions, “The delicious singing of the mother, or the young wife at work, or/of the girl sewing or washing/Each singing what belongs to them and none else”. Here I sense a real feeling of freedom in all of these individuals as they express their love for their work and progress through the day. When put together, all people in America are, “Singing with open mouths their strong melodious song.” I have learned that the United States needs every one’s song because no one song is more important than another; this is what makes America so unique. Whitman has certainly captured the unsung heroes of the middle-class America that keep it strong. Another poem by Whitman, “Song of the Open Road,” allows me to experience the American outdoors as a place where everyone is equal and can come together. Whether rich or poor, everyone can take whatever rode he desires. He states, “Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road/Healthy, free, the world before me.” With this, I believe that, no matter what, my country will accept me for who I am. America represents that path to a new beginning. The United States is a country where people can come to start again. And I believe this is its greatest asset. We, indeed, have the freedom to choose our paths, whether it involves work or pleasure. To continue, Whitman depicts the unlikely heroes America holds in his poem “Song of Myself, 33”, and I have to say this by far is my favorite. In this poem, he not only describes the unsung heroes in America, but also he empathizes with each one and experiences their joy and their pain. His first line foretells this when he states, “I understand the large hearts of heroes/The courage of present times and all times.” Then he goes on to describe the skipper who witnesses a wreaked steamship several hundred miles out of the New York Harbor, chased it down, and spent three days saving the lives of those on board. From there he reveals the courage of the rescuers who find their fellow fireman with broken bones, buried under tumbling walls and debris. These are not people normally considered heroes, but Walt Whitman recognizes them as the real heroes in our nation. To allow a better understanding of Whitman’s depth of describing these unsung heroes, he says, “I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself/become the wounded person.” He obviously creates for the reader an understanding of these American heroes who otherwise would go unnoticed. This poetry by Walt Whitman I have shared with you because he really does capture the spirit of the USA today in such a way that allows a person to experience the real American dream.

Ethan E.

Dear (Person from the other side of the world),

Walt Whitman composed a multitude of popular poems in his life. Part of the poems’ success emerged from the spirit of America that Whitman captured with his words. This essence can be established into three categories: Freedom, Correlation with Nature, and Exploration.

To begin, Whitman, embodied the freedom of America in his poetry. American people cherish their freedom to pursue whatever interests them. This awareness is exposed in Whitman’s words “Each singing what belongs to him or her and to no one else.” from “I Hear America Singing”. Additionally, Whitman demonstrates the freedom to openly support and promote any cause that presents itself. This freedom is shown in the lines “I too am not a tamed, I too am untranslatable./ I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world” from “Song of Myself 52”. The words “ not a bit tamed” exhibit Whitman's appreciation of freedom. The word “barbaric” offers that Whitman’s ideas may not be perfect, but his freedom allows him to bolster them.

The next “spirit” of the USA that Whitman introduces is the urge to explore. This feeling is best represented by the words “Inquiring, tireless, seeking what is yet unfound.” from “Facing West from California's Shores”. The words “seeking what is yet unfound” introduce that Americans have a motivation to discover new things and explore obscure lands. Whitman additionally said in a poem “How far in the wilds and mountains I hunt” from “Song of Myself 10”. Whitman clearly expressed his fondness for adventure in his poems.

The last essence of America that Whitman grasped in his poetry consists of the relationship and respect that the American people have for Nature. By analyzing nature, Whitman was able to express messages within his surroundings. Whitman said, “I saw in Louisiana a live-oak growing/... and its look, rude, unbending, lusty, made me think/ of myself” from “I saw in Louisiana a Live-Oak Growing”. This quote signifies this feeling. The way that Whitman describes the tree indicates that he respected it and connected with it. Whitman also declared, “My tongue, every atom of my blood, formed from this soil, this air” from “Song of Myself 1”. This statement conveys that humans retain a distinguished bond with the land. The fact that Whitman refers to his tongue suggests that the land especially plays a role in shaping the way one speaks and thinks.

In his poems, Walt Whitman captured the spirit of the USA. Within his words materialized the spirit of freedom, exploration, and the appreciation Americans have for the land. These attributes are part of what characterized Whitman’s poems as some of the best in American history.

Brooklyn C.
Dear Little Kev (and whoever else it may concern),

We live in two very different cultures, you and I. I know that you have never been to the United States, just as I have never been to China! I would like to tell you a bit about our culture and the spirit of the United States of America, using the celebrated words and poems of Walt Whitman. Now, you may have heard of him, and you may have not, but here in America, he is a household name; “The proof of a poet is that his country absorbs him as affectionately as he has absorbed it.” Walt Whitman is an exceptional poet who has flawlessly captured the spirit of the United States in many ways. To start, Whitman captured our patriotism and love for the country we live in in his poem I Hear America Singing. In this iconic poem, Whitman explains the freedom they felt even when they were working long hours for little pay at the beginning of the American Industrial Revolution. They were proud to be self-reliant Americans, and their adoration of their independence masked the hardships of the grueling work; “Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.” By ‘songs,’ Whitman is metaphorically referring to their freedom and self-reliance. They ‘sang’ of their pride to be Americans. “The delicious singing of the mother—or of the young wife at work—or of the girl sewing or washing—each singing what belongs to her, and none else.” In this line, Whitman furthermore presents that each person has their own ‘song’ that is completely unique to only them. Whitman continues to acknowledge the beauty of the United States in poems such as America; “Centre of equal daughters, equal sons… Perennial with the Earth, with Freedom, Law and Love, / A grand, sane, towering, seated Mother.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman also presents Americans’ love of nature. This passion relates back to the philosophy of self-reliance. Americans cherish going into the untamed wilderness and providing everything they need to survive for themselves. In Whitman’s poem “10” from Song of Myself, he pondered, “Alone in the wilds and mountains I hunt, / Wandering amazed at my own lightness and glee…” In these lines, Whitman reveals how part of the American spirit is being in solitude in nature; whether one is hunting, camping, or simply going on a hike, the quiet and tranquility of nature is an essential part of American life. Moreover: “Kindling a fire and broiling a fresh kill’d game, / Falling asleep on the gather’d leaves with my dog and gun by my / side.” Whitman also clearly addresses this notion in his poem Give me the Splendid, Silent Sun; “Give me solitude—give me Nature—give me again, O Nature, your / primal sanities!” Nature is a very critical factor to the American spirit. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Furthermore, Walt Whitman grasps the essence of the youth of the United States. Adolescence is a very treasured part of American life. Youth is beautiful and powerful, and Whitman interpreted this ideal in poems such as my personal favorite, Pioneers! O Pioneers! Whitman unveils the importance of the youth in lines such as, “We the sinewy races, all the ret on us depend…” He is explaining that the future is in the youth’s hands, and that it is their turn to shape and world. Whitman also discusses this within the lines, “We debouch upon a newer, mightier world, varied world, / Fresh and strong the world we seize…” These lines clarify how the youth is now taking the place of the previous generation. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">America has an immensely powerful legacy and a profoundly vibrant spirit, which are both beautifully depicted in the writings of the one and only Walt Whitman.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Regards, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brooklyn C.

Walt Whitman's View of America

Dylan F

Dear reader,

I am writing to you about Walt Whitman’s view of the spirit of America. Also known as

Uncle Walt, Whitman had positive views of America. His poetic skill was introduced to the U.S.

as a New York worker at a printing company, he felt like every day he walked through the

crowded streets that he would like to see America a write about it. So he decided to write about

the U.S. just as he saw it, now not everyone has the same opinion of America as Uncle Walt,

but he took such great time finding things glorious, tragic, funny, or just some thing that is often

over looked, he would write it to such specific detail that he could write about a rock formation

look like some thing Leonardo Davinci would make, only using words and the leaders

imagination. My favorite poem written by him though was “Pioneers O, Pioneers”, because he

shows us that with determination, America can reach new goals, see new unique places, and to

spread and discover, and yes there will be hardships, but rewards even greater. Which inspires

America to step out of conformity and see the world anew. A quote Walt said I am sure more

than once is “ always keep your face to the sunshine, and the shadows will fall behind. This

quote yells America from the mountain tops, for when Americans try for some thing, we are not

distracted by the shadows of life, but go for the golden sun.

Walt loved America, the good and bad of it, because there is always a topic to write

about, and I bet if you asked him about his life, the only thing he would regret is that he could

not have lived longer to write more and more about America. Another wonderful but easily

understandabl quote that he wrote was “do anything, but let it produce joy.” This quote reminds

me of how the people of America try to do as much as possible to make its citizens feel happy

and proud of the country they live in. I like Walt’s writings because he never focuses on just one

place or topic per poms, for in America topics come from corner to corner and every place in

between. I chose this amazing quote to talk about for this reason, “Afoot and lighthearted I take

to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me,” a good quote that he also said “I celebrate

myself, and sing my self.” These quotes are the definition of America, because it tells just how

it is shown, if you want to live life, you don’t get there by sitting around, working with no future in

mind, we use determination to grab for it, no matter how long it takes and the objects that are in

your way, That is America, the land where you are able to achieve a goal, another quote that

brings this idea is “freedom-to walk free and own no superior,” so not it is just a dream.

Walt Whitman created a form of poetry that was so different, but so obvious, it is called

free write, and I agree, what page would stop us from the greatness of our literature, why should

any stop because of formatted lines, we live without a picture frame and spread until oue

masterpiece is finished, America is like this, we do not fit in a small place going page to page,

we spread, with new ideas and dreams. Another quote that reminds my of America is “ A great

city is that which has the greatest men and women,” another is “produce great men, the rest

follows” These quotes shows that a city takes after its citizens, and it is a fact, America is so

great with its tightness between its people and the love that flows from each of us when we are

a whole are an example of this poem, for America is great because of its people.

I believe that from Walt’s point of view, he knows that the people of America define it best as

the spirit of America, we grow, love, share, and care for each other which is the main reason

America is so glorious. Thank you for reading this article.

Sincerely Dylan F

Hannah G Dear (person from the other side of the world), Throughout our history there were many great poets but one in particular, through his poetry, helps to grab the “spirit” of the USA. His name is Walt Whitman and he is a very renowned poet. He was born in America and had a lot of nationalism towards it so he wanted to try and make it a better place, that his words were a message to the future he said. Whitman pronounces, “ Missing me one place search another/I stop somewhere waiting for you”. His thought is that we will read his poems when we are in close corners and they will help us to remember why we came here in the first place and choose right from wrong. One quote I feel quite compassionate about is, “ I understand the large hearts of heroes/ the courage of present times and all times”. This quote is speaking of the soldiers who fight for this country and truly are America’s backbone. But it is also talking about average everyday people who do heroic or nice things just because they have an opportunity to do so. Things such as making a big corporal decision whether or not to increase prices to help pay off the taxes or help out the community and keep them the same, or simply just holding a door for someone. Whitman also states, “Alone far in the wilds I hunt/ Wandering amazed my own likeness and glee”. This quote really shows what the U.S. is all about. When we first started living here our food was not processed and packaged and there were not any machines polluting the air. People had to go out in nature to survive and also to have fun. Nature can cause exaltation in those who give it a chance. People will not ever realize how America really is until they read Whitman’s awe-inspiring poems. The U.S. is a free country and with that there come a lot of different opportunities. One of the best opportunities available are all of the different jobs to choose from. People can decide what they are passionate about and make a living out of it. Whitman noticed this and he wrote a poem about it called, I Hear America Singing, and in that poem are a couple lines that really explain the bliss, they are, “ I here America singing, the varied carols I hear.... Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs”. From these lines show the eminence of the workers in whatever job they do whether it be a farmer, a mechanic, or a business man. Lastly Whitman also talked about how people will stand up for what they believe in, whatever it is. He proclaims, “I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard/ nature without check with original energy”. This statement is saying that people will believe what they want to believe no matter what, and they will not easily change their mind. So with Whitman’s knowledgeable and patriotic thoughts forever written down people will always remember what the USA is all about. Sincerely, Hannah G

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Philip M. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear (person on the other side of the world), <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">America as we know is built on “Freedom” that allows us to write and speak what we desire. A poet from the 19th century, named Walt Whitman, used freedom to his advantage to capture the American spirit and write such outstanding poetry. Whitman wrote about feelings and nature. The key to his expression lies in how our government allows us to explore nature and perceptions on life, with an idea of doing or creating something great. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman writes in one of his poems about people that moved to find new land. These people had dreams, they wanted to reach in this new land........ America. Whitman’s poem “ I Hear America Singing” tells about labor and what hardships our ancestors went through to make this country so great. “ Those of mechanics,each one singing his as it should be blithe and/ strong.” writes Whitman. The poem mentions the diverse cultures and backgrounds of the people in America. With so many backgrounds in the US it makes all of us feel welcome. “ the carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam, / the mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off/work,/ the boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand/singing on the stream boat deck.” Describes Whitman. To explore nature and these feelings is at your own risk. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman followed previous poets Emerson and Thoreau by taking those risks, to explore free writing to encourage what these poets think is right. These poets inspired monumental changes in the world. Gandhi, who lead the movement toward India’s rights, and Martian Luther King Jr., who helped stop slavery in America, were willing to risk there life’s for what the thought was morally right. Gandhi, King, and Whitman all used freedom of speech and writing mentality to make monumental changes in our world. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">America was founded on going up and over the top.” The boat man and clam-diggers arose early and stopt for me/ i tuck’d my trowser-ends in my boots and went and had a good time.” expresses Whitman. That comes with hard work and desire. In American history we worked hard to become an world power. We risk man life’s for success. But knowing that world changing events could come with risks. The pride in America is pride for freedom and success. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">sincerely, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Philip M.

Cierra A,

Dear Person from the Other Side of the World,

In the country of America where freedom is the oxygen that fills our bold lungs and dreams are strong with a sense of pride, you begin to wonder where the origin of such spirit and strength was born. Walt Whitman, an American poet and writer, was one of the major influences of American Literature. His poetry developed power in the spirit of our country,

then documented it into words for all to see. He wrote several poems about the light and the darkness of America’s vices and virtues with our diverse society, war affairs and causalities, colorful nature, and other sources of inspiration poets’ seek. Mr. Whitman brought all of those to the table in such creative ways in his poetry.

Walt Whitman wrote countless poems about the United States’ energy. In one of his poems titled, //I Hear America Singing//, he expresses the beauty in differences of people by writing, “I hear America singing/the varied carols I hear/Those of mechanics/each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong.” This line contains the essence of our foundation: equality for all no matter what background; we are united. In a section of //American Feuillage//, he claims the same idea, “Singing the song of These, my ever united lands--my body no more/inevitably united, part to part, and made one identity, any/more than my lands are inevitably united, and made ONE/IDENTITY..” He emphasises our differences in yet another poem called, //The World Below the Brine//, by writing, “Passions there, wars, pursuits, tribes, sight in those ocean-depths, breathing that thick-breathing air, as so many do/The change thence to the sight here, and to the subtle air breathed by beings like us who walk this sphere/The change onward from ours to that of beings who walk other sphere.” Whitman also announced us Americans as being outspoken and unique. In a excerpt of his poem called //Song of Myself 52//, he explains, “I too am not a bit tamed, I too an untranslatable/I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.” This line presents that anyone can speak their “barbaric yawp” and no one can accuse them for being themselves, which America, in fact, is founded upon. Another great line from his poetry is in //A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Dim//. He writes, “Young man I think I know you - I think this face is the face of the Christ himself/Dead and divine and brother of all, and here again

he lies.” This poem discusses the scene of wounded soldiers, laying on their deathbeds, and Whitman sees the brotherhood they share with each other by living through this state of chaos. The shared experience brought them closer together. Also, in Walt Whitman’s piece named, //Pioneers! O Pioneers!//, he wrote, “We detachments steady throwing/Down the edges through the passes, up the mountains steep/Conquering, holding, daring, venturing, as we go the unknown ways/Pioneers! O Pioneers!” This quote captures America’s golden courage and innovative doors we seek to discover things other’s haven’t yet found. We try to go beyond the standards and create our own way of life as our feet are planted on freedom’s soil. Americans breathe freedom and Mr. Whitman honestly portrays its spirit in his poetry.

Walt Whitman demonstrates the genuine spirit of America and Americans themselves in an symbolic, picturesque and sincere ways in which we live for. His patriotic poems provides outsiders with a sense of knowledge of our true foundation. His way of words are arranged precisely in order to present the message. The tone is also a key factor that sets the spirituality of America. All this passion and inspiration makes Walt Whitman one of the biggest influences of American Literature. He brought American principles to life in writing.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brett C, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear person from the other side of the world, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman is a man who is proud to live in America and reveals that in his poems which always involve nature. In the poem “I Hear America Singing”, it talks about all of the different kinds of jobs citizens have and how they might not be the best jobs, but they are proud to have one. Each person is singing because they are happy to have something that belongs to them and not to anyone else. Whitman expresses the passion that the American nation has in their occupations. He states, “[America] singing what belongs to him or her and none else,/ The day what belongs to the day- at night the party of young/ fellow, robust, friendly,/ singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.” Also, in “From Song of Myself” -Part 1, Whitman cherishes the memories of his family being born in America. “My tongue, every atom of my blood, form’d from this soil, this air,/ Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their/ parents the same...” He is saying that he is privliged to be born in this amazing country. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman is also very joyful when he is writing about the elements of nature. He captures the moment of what he sees and turns it into something beautiful. For example, in “From song of myself”- Part 10, “Alone far in the wilds and mountains I hunt,/ wandering amazed at my own lightness and glee...” He is expressing how one feels free and observing when in nature. He takes something small and has a bright outlook on it. Whitman wants everyone to visualize something unique because nature is what truly binds America together. Also, Whitman reveals things about himself that are personal in “From Song of Myself” -Part 52. “I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love,/ If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.” “You will hardly know who I am or what I mean,/ But I shall be good health to you nevertheless,/ And filter and fiber your blood.” He is trying to get into your mind and tell you that he is always going to be a part of you and give you a clearer understanding of why nature is so important. He is referring to self-reliance, the idea of Americans finding their own necessities in nature because this is how our country was formed. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lastly, in “From Song of Myself” -Part 1, he is confident in himself and wants everybody to feel what he feels. “I celebrate myself, and sing myself,/ And what I assume you shall assume,/ For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.” Whitman is saying that we cannot forget the important things in life and that we should follow in the same footsteps as him. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Overall, Whitman expresses the gift that all Americans can relate to; nature. He is precise and wants everyone to have as much joy as he had. He is not afraid to show his love for America. As he said in “From Song of Myself”-Part 52, “I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable,/ I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.” Walt Whitman brings America together through his use of poetry.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely, Brett C.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Valerie S.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear Person from the other side of the world,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman’s poetry is audacious in his language when it comes to the “spirit” of America. Especially towards heroes. In <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Song of Myself__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">part 33 he tells “ I understand the large hearts of heroes, The courage of present times and all times...”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In Whitman’s poetry he elaborates that America has worked hard for their country. The women and men take pride in their occupations. The poem <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__I Hear America Singing__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> he speaks “Each singing what belongs to him or her and none else.../The day what belongs to the day-at the night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly/Singing...their melodic songs.” This reveals men and women taking part in work and getting the job done is the way to succeed and then rewarding themselves with leisure time.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The amount of respect people present in America shows the relationships between each other. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Song For Myself__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> part 1 Whitman verifies “For every atom belonging to me as good as belongs to you/ I harbor for good or bad. I permit to speak at every hazard...” The poem explains mostly everyone can express the good when it comes to leaders and people’s beliefs that are different but no one is perfect. He also pertains in his poem “I celebrate myself and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">According to Whitman, our soldiers have fought greatly for the country. Walt expresses in his poem <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Dim__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“ Three forms I see on stretchers lying.../ Young man I think I know you.../ Dead and divine and brother of all, her again he lies.” This indicates that Christ himself was watching over the soldiers constantly giving their all to fight for America, but the ones that lost their lives have succeeded in a way for America to be more united.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Overall, Whitman is bombastic in his poetry in capturing the “spirit” of America. Walt expresses “ missing me one place search another, I stop somewhere waiting for you.” The beauty of his language describes that Americans reveal pride and unity in their country.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Valerie S.

__**Hiba I.**__

Dear Victor,

I wonder what Europe is like. I bet living there is nothing like living in the United States. I used to live in Sudan and in Egypt, but now I live in the United States of America! Life in America is quite different than in Africa. When I arrived here it was very strange. I was afraid, upset, and bitter. At the age of six, all I wanted was to be home. The weather was very cold and there were many lights and huge buildings surrounding me. The image of America is that there is a lot of stuff: there are a lot of buildings, houses, cars, people, roads, stores, and gadgets. The overabundance of material goods in America is neither good nor bad, but the best part of America is the freedom.

Freedom did not just happen, but many people made it happen. People like Walt Whitman. Walt Whitman is a man of heart, bravery, and nature. He lived during a time when America was at war and fought for the freedom of slaves. He gave up his time and took care of soldiers, who were injured, including his brother. Whitman’s poetry captures the “spirit” of the U.S.A. A quotation from one of his famous poems, “A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Dim” reads, “Young man I think I know you—I think this face is the face of the Christ himself, Dead and divine and brother of all, and here again he lies.” To Whitman, the young, innocent, dying soldier resembles Christ. Both are trying to help Man. In most of Whitman’s poetry, He talks about the sadness and hurt in a time of war. He watched many soldiers die during the war. He laments when he states, “But O Heart! Heart! Heart! O the bleeding drops of red.”

Toward the end, Whitman exclaims, “O Captain! My Captain our fearful trip is done; the ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won.” After the war, we realize the loss, but also the gain. America had won a big prize because freedom is big! Freedom of speech, freedom to vote, freedom of religion, etc, is for everyone. Walt Whitman did a lot of good for others and for America. This is heard through another poem when he writes, “I celebrate myself and sing myself and what I assume you shall assume, for every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.” Whitman celebrates the equality of the human race.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Will N <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear (person from the other side of the world), <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman is the poetic spirit of America. Throughout his forms of free verse and comparisons and personifications of Nature Walt captures the essence of this land. Whether its the singing of our song or thoughts on life America is truly unique. In this letter I will explain how Walt uses poetry to describe the passion in America. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt uses Vibrant imagery to catch the attention of the reader. In Song of Myself part 52 Whitman mutters “The last scud of the day holds back for me” The reader can picture the low clouds just waiting to be dragged away but in the mean time just relaxing and filling the air with vapor. Walt uses personification to suggest how the clouds sit around and wait for him while in reality they do whatever they please. Throughout his poems he speaks in a sort of mysterious way. This can make it a bit of a challenge to understand what he is talking about which is bad because every last word of his poems has a significant meaning. For example in Song of Myself part 52 Uncle Walt writes “If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles” At first this really confused me because i couldn't figure out why he would be under my shoes. After a while of thinking and some help from others i figured out that he meant he will always be around. His words and wisdom will never leave and are apart of this world. This relates to America because we are a country of opportunity. Everyone has a right to the wisdom of others even from other times to try and better themselves. Uncle Walt tells the truth about America and the wisdom he left for us about life is simply beautiful. Another example is I Hear America Singing. this poem shows how everyone has a purpose. “Each singing what belongs to him or her and none else.” Walt states that everyone is unique. The true reason why Walt is the poetic spirit of America is because he sees the land as an apple in our hand. We can be free and do what we please in this land of beauty which is what Walt states in his poem Song of Myself part 10 “ Alone far in the wilds and mountains I hunt, wandering amazed at my own lightness and glee.” The thought of the land from this quote is miraculous. It takes a special place (Nature) to leave a person baffled at beauty. This captures America because it is that beautiful and the people can become a hunter or experience the outdoors because we are free people and can do what we want to do. In Song of Myself part 10 Walt writes “ In the late afternoon choosing a safe spot to pass the night” Walt says he chooses his spot. This is the only nation that enables the people to choose anything that is fun or a passion. He was not ordered to do something else or leave because of his freedoms which is the key of America <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">America, the land of the great fits beautifully to paint a mental picture of this country. From the awe-inspiring peaks to the rugged mountains and the rolling hills with rivers that wind their way through to the ocean, carving their own path and bringing life to all. In American Feuillage Walt screams “ California's golden hills and hallows, and the silver mountains of New Mexico”Wild animals that roam these lands and inhabit it. “the three and a half millions of square miles.” America is seen as the most beautiful land on earth in the views of millions and we all agree on one thing that Walt Whitman has said..”Always America!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Will N

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear, (person on the other side of the world)

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I am from America. To explain the spirit of America, I am going to quote a famous American poet by the name of Walt Whitman. He spoke and wrote about how American works like a clock. There are so many little moving pieces that make up the U.S. A good quote from Whitman’s poem I Hear American Singing, is “singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs” It is saying that you can sing whatever song you want to sing, or believe what you want to believe in. Another one of Whitman quotes from his poem The Song Of Myself is “I understand the large hearts of heroes, the courage of present times and all times” America is made up of brave men and women who risk there lives to keep us safe and out of harm’s way. We always have jobs that no one particularly wants to do but knows it’s for the good of their country.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Another mental image by Whitman that really captures the spirit of the U.S.A. from the poem Song Of My Self is, “I am the man, i suffered, I was there” This really captures that America didn't just become what it is over night. People and the country had to suffer, feel pain, loss and hopeless at one time to learn from our mistakes to become what it is today. “For every atom belonging to to me as good belongs to you” This demonstrates how America had to give and help others to archive great things and good world status.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So as we can see, Walt Whitman really captured America and put it into words. He really explains how America had a tough journey to get where it is now today. We went though depression, war, and almost separation during the Civil War. It also shows how people step up and do the jobs no one wants to do, like risking ones life to save another. America is most captured by the words by one of the most famous American poets, Walt Whitman. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By, Shaun K

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Allie M

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear (Person from the other side of the world),

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“A great city is that which has the greatest men and women.”Walt Whitman is a man who really captures the spirit of the U.S.A. Whitman is a poet that makes an impact on anyone that reads his poems. He writes about the land that produced him and what he thinks about America. “A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more then the metaphysics of books.” He is a free man that is in love with American. In his writing he is very creative. How he puts his words together in his freestyle poems are amazing. Whitman is defiantly a man that needs to be talked about in American history. He has improved American history in a very good and kind way with one of the most beautiful types of writing. Whitman’s Poems have really inspired in what is now America.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman’s poems have gotten very popular in American history, as they should. His poems have many different ways to capture the U.S. Tragedy is one of Whitman’s topics that he got close to. Whitman saw first hand the first battle of Fredericksburg. Whitman witnessed the terrible suffering of many men during his visit to Virgina. Tragedy is something Americans take to heart. These days tragedy can appear just around the corner. Tragedy lies everywhere. Whitman wrote a poem called A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Din. Walt Whitman is man who cared for a lot of people and this poem is about when he volunteered to assist the staffs of several medical field units and hospitals. During this time of Whitman’s life tragedy struck everywhere. Whitman explained these tragedy's also in his poem A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Din, with the last line “Dead and divine and brother of all, and here again he lies.” War is definitely one of the biggest tragedies the whole world faces today, and Walt explains that very clearly. Coming from Whitman at this time in his life when tragedy was everywhere he looked and to see how he dealt with it is amazing. He didn’t complain about it or how he wanted world peace like everyone else did, he put it into his poetry. He changed one of the biggest tragedies of human history into something that seems to be so beautiful. The one beautiful pleasures that us Americans get to hold onto is our freedom. Whitman Wrote a poem called I hear America Singing. This poem isn't about a shoe maker singing while he works or a deck-man singing on his ship, this poem is about our freedom that we have in America. Whitman really grasps the U.S in this poem. He sees that with our freedom we can have any job we work to get. One of Whitman’s major themes is America’s cultural diversity. This theme is really brought out in this poem.Whitman celebrates that in the U.S we can do what we set our hearts out to do. How Whitman puts this into his poetry is with the poem I hear America Singing. This single poem hits hard into the “Spirit” of America. This poem is about how men and women can have the job they want if they work hard for it. This is the beauty of America, when we are free to make our own decisions. When men and women are working its like there own song. Whitman explains “Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and/strong.” Also with the line “ Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.” These lines really makes me feel how Whitman feels about America. When one person is working Whitman takes that as their own song. “Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else.” Whitman sings. Our job is our song; therefore our freedom.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman really knows how to capture the spirit of the U.S in his poetry and he captures it very well. I hear America Singing and A Sight In Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Din are two out of many of Whitman’s wonderful poems that he has written. All of which are very impacting on our lives as Americans. Whitman quotes, “I am as bad at the worst, but, thank god, I am as good as the best.” This really explains Walt Whitman very well. He is a very careful man with a huge heart and a man that knows very well how to put his thoughts into wonderful poems. Whitman has helped the spirit of America turn out to be what it is today. As an American myself I would have to admit that Walt Whitman has helped America in more than one way.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Allie M

Emily L.

Dear Person Across the World,

Walt Whitman was a whimsical American poet that took immense pride in his nationality. His poetry gives a flamboyant recognition of what it is like to be an American. Although some of his writing is rather allusive, it is clear that they all involve a common topic: Life in America, and thus, the spirit of America.

Whitman recognizes that the United States of America stands as a unified nation. He acknowledges the intangible bond that Americans have with one another in Section 33 of his poem //Song of Myself//. In this section, he describes the hardships of certain professions at the time, including being a teacher, doctor, or sailor. He sympathizes and empathizes with these unlikely heroes when he say, “I am the man, I suffer'd, I was there.” With this quotation he explains that, as a nation, we stand together and feel the pain of our comrades. We are so unified that we support each others' ideas and requests as well as empathize with the occasional hardships.

In Section 10 of //Song of Myself// Whitman writes about the diversity and compassion of Americans. During Whitman's time, certain things were still wrongfully disapproved of, such as African Americans in society; however, acceptance of differences was growing. He demonstrates this when he writes, “I saw the marriage of the trapper in the open air in the far west, the bride was a red girl,/ Her father and his friends sat near cross-legged and dumbly smoking, they had moccasins to their feet and large thick blankets hanging from their shoulders.” In this time it was uncommon for trappers and Native Americans to associate with each other. This further proves the Americans' new found philosophy on acceptance. We were beginning to show compassion for people that we originally discriminated against. Later in the poem he shows sympathy for an African American trying to escape the injustice of slavery. “And [I] went where he sat on a log and led him in and assured him,” he says. Whitman provides shelter for the runaway slave and treats him as an equal out of compassion.

Most Americans, including Whitman, take extreme pride in our country and we feel that it is our duty to provide for it. While supporting America, it gives us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. In his poem “I Hear America Singing” he writes, “I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,/ Those of mechanics each on singing his as it should be blithe and strong.” To us our profession marks our individuality as well as our contribution to America. One citizen contributes an ongoing note to the grand symphony of America. Not only does this poem represent our countries pride, but our individuality as well. Whitman writes, “Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else.” We can choose our passion and make it our profession. Our job belongs to us because we chose it and we believe in it.

Whitman writes about America with immense veneration. He shows us the true meaning of what it is like to be an American with his writing.

Dear person across the world, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman was a great poet very dedicated to his writings, he talked about many different topics and tried to get people to feel other emotions from his poetry that they would never normally feel. Walt Whitman said many unique things in his poems that caught peoples eye so much that he was put into our history, Walt Whitman saw many things from war, beauty, violence, even death, and he tells everyone his encounters through beautiful poems.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman often talked about the every day working man, or the slave, or poems relating to his life he writes about working men building a damn and there hard work sounds like a song, Whitman said “I hear America singing the varied carols i hear” meaning that Americans such as myself work so hard that to others our hard work sounds like a song. “Singing his as it should be blithe and strong” the Americans can get any job they want if they work for it, and can succeed in any way, Americans have so many opportunities to succeed in whatever they do. “Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs” Whitman wanted the reader to know American workers take pride in their work and like it to be known what they have accomplished, such as a composer singing his strong melodious song.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman was a very public poet and was loved by many others, his work has been passed on from each generation and is still being passed on to this day Walt had a very big impact on our history he spoke his mind and others that read his poems were inspired to speak their mind to. Certain people in our history were influenced by Walt and felt that it would be best to follow by his word, so they did. Walt often said “I understand the large hearts of heroes” he’s saying how each hero has a big heart cause they care for other people, such as Walt did. Walt himself was a hero to many people that are also in our history he spoke his opinion and was herd, and always will be. To many, Walt Whitman is just a poet, but to others he’s their inspiration.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Shannon O.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear person from the other side of the world,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman was a famous poet who lived during the nineteenth century. He published a lot of poetry, which captures the spirit of the USA. He does this by using descriptive language, and imagery in his poems.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">First, he uses descriptive language to connect with the spirit of the USA. He says this line in one of his poms called “Song of Myself 33” “I understand the large hearts of heroes, the courage of present times and all times.” Whitman came up with this line because of an incident where a ship was hit by a storm and washed many passengers off board. A captain from another ship helped the passengers on board his ship. The captain was in the newspapers all over the nation and everyone thought of him as a hero. In America, everyone tries to be like the captain so we can feel that heroic feeling inside and also to impress everyone around us. He also uses descriptive language in a poem called “ I hear America singing,” he says, “The day belong to the day-at night the party of young fellows ,robust, friendly, singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.” This captures the spirit of American life because as it says, everyone is serious and at work during the day, and at night, everyone has fun by going to parties or bars to socialize with their friends. This is what the a younger generation of Americans think is fun. That is how Whitman uses descriptive writing to show the American spirit.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman also uses imagery to show the American spirit. In the poem “Song of Myself 10,” he writes this “ I saw the marriage of the trapper in the open air in the far west, the bride was a red girl, her father and friends sat near cross legged and dumbly smoking.” He is having an image of seeing a Native American girl about ready to get married. They are important to society because some of our society revolves around their names and ideas.There were some areas in the United States that were named after some Native American words. For example, the word Alaska, which is the biggest state in the United States, means Great Land. Wherever we look, there will usually be something named after words or names that have to do with the Native American. In the same poem he describes the feeling he has when he is in the wilderness, “Alone in the far wilds and mountains I hunt, wandering amazed at my own lightness and glee...” He is stating that nature makes him happy when ever he has a chance to get out there. That is the same with many Americans. Whenever people go out into the mountains, there is a connection between nature and people that makes us more happy. That is why many people go hunting or visit the mountains and wilderness as often as they can. That is how Whitman used his poetry to capture the spirit of the USA.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Andrew T.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 18px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman Poetry Essay

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I am writing you about the subject of poetry pertaining to the spirit of the U.S.A. One poet in particular that I would like to mention is Walt Whitman. I believe Walt shows the characteristics and meanings of being a true American. In Song of Myself poem #1 Walt stated“I celebrate myself, and sing myself.” In my opinion Walt is referring to the ability of having your own thoughts and beliefs and being able to celebrate them freely with no restriction. In this instance he could be celebrating something very important of even something as simple as having a healthy life. I think this ability to celebrate simple but important thins shows the nature and spirit of the U.S. Also, people need to have their own thoughts about what they think is right. In the poem “I Hear America Singing” Walt says “The boatman singing what belongs to him...” Here Walt is attempting to show that when the boatman sings what he thinks is right, is what makes him the boatman. This reference could also apply to carpenters, teachers, or business man. As long as you have your own thoughts and ideas you are “a pace nor child nor old...as of beautiful yellow-white ivory.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One thing that really shows the spirit of the U.S.A is the fact the everyone is equal. Whitman really emphasizes this in his poem #1 from “Song of Myself” Walt explains “For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.” In just this one quote Whitman summarizes the spirit, love, and beauty of the U.S.A. Having spirit for your country means multiple things like everyone is treated equal and we all do different things to help people in need. Without being able to do these sorts of things your country has no spirit. What Walt said symbolizes the spirit and morals of our country. Another thing that can be spiritual for the U.S and individuals alike is the everyone has their own song. In many countries individuals are forced to follow specific rules and laws. These laws are the things that define the spirit of your country. In the U.S we have such a high spirit because we as people have rights and have a say in things. In the poem I Hear America Singing Walt mentions something that really sticks out to me. Walt says “Each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong.” Here he is implying that that every individual should take pride in their own individuality, that they are unique and beautiful. I agree with Whitman because no two people are the same so we all should have a different song that represents us.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman says a quote the really represents what people in the U.S need to start doing. He says “Be curious, not judgmental.” I think this quote can go two different ways. One is that our country is one of the countries that really emphasizes the good of getting to know someone instead of judging them and another in the way that we still need to work more at not being prejudice to anyone. As a country and as individuals we have the power to choose weather we want to change the way we look at others. Walt believes that in order to have your own song, “it should be blithe and strong”, and you need to respect the songs of others.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely, Daniel S

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Anna Meier

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Period 4 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman Letter

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear person from the other side of the world, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman was a poet who spoke to all of the world. He had many free and brave thoughts. He believed America should be free and that we have a voice of our own. The result of everything was poetry that could sing and speak of everything under the sun. A witness proclaims, “the ‘I’ has become identified with every element in the universe and has been reborn as something divine. The poet that has become the saving force that Whitman believed was the true role of the American poet.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I Hear America Singing” was one of Whitman’s poems and the overall view of this poem was explaining the different kinds of people in America and their roles. But each person is singing “varied carols.” Varied meaning different. For example, “Each singing what belongs to him/her and to none else, the day what belongs to the day--at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly, singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.” Whitman is saying everyone has their own “song” in America, and therefore everyone is unique. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Another one of his poems was “a Song of Myself.” This poem explains his views on the world and how he sees things and how other people see him through their eyes. For example, one line from this poem was, “the spotted hawk swoops by and accuses me, he complains of my gab and my loitering.” Here, Whitman uses personification. The hawk represents a bystander in the world judging Whitman and his decisions. Personification is used because hawks cannot physically judge someone. Whitman then explains that no one will know who he really is and what he is meant to do. He points out, “You will hardly know who I am or what I mean, but I shall be good health to you nevertheless, and filter and fiber your blood.” He is saying that what he preaches will benefit the people of America and he wants to filter our minds. Whitman uses very detailed words and uses figurative language while explaining what his goal is. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman’s poetry is very precise. He is a compassionate person and it shows when he writes a poem. He’s also very pretentious because his poems emphasize how proud he is to be an American. He demonstrates this in his poem “I Hear America Singing.” Whitman says, “I am as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Anna M.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kris J.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">10/27/11

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">American Lit

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Period 4

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear person from other side of the world,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I wanted to tell you that American poetry has inspired all Americans greatly. One of the most famous poets is Walt Whitman. He has inspired many, and has written a lot of poems about America. One of his poems, America, says this, “Centre of equal daughters, equal sons,/ All, alike endear'd, grown, ungrown, young or old, /Strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich,/ Perennial with the Earth, with Freedom, Law and Love, /A grand, sane, towering, seated Mother,/

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chair'd in the adamant of Time.” This poem is great because it describes America and its people’s freedoms.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Another poem Walt Whitman wrote is <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Song of Myself__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. This is an emotional poem. Whitman writes, “The spotted hawk swoops by and accuses me, he complains/ of my gab and my loitering./ I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable,/ I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world./ The last scud of day holds back for me,/ It flings my likeness after the rest and true as any on the shadow’d wilds,/ It coaxs me to the vapor and the dusk/...”. The poet describes the uniqueness of the American people. In America, we try to persuade people to become great and pursue their dream.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the same poem, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Song of Myself__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, he continues to say, “I loaf and invite my soul,/ I lean and loaf at my ease observing a spear of summer grass./ My tongue, every atom of my blood, form’d from this soil,/ this air,/...” This is inspirational because he expresses that if you need him you’ll find him no matter were he is.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman is an impressive poet. He changed poetry from rhythmical to something completely new and different. He was one of the forefathers of free verse poetry.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">James S.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear( person from the other end of the world) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On May 31, 1819 in Long Island a boy by the name of Walt Whitman was born. At this time America had not been around for 50 years and yet people were starting to capture its essence in their writing. First came Ralph Waldo Emerson using nature and our fascination with it to try and come up with description. Then Henry David Thoreau came on the seen and joined Emerson in his ideas about nature and America. And finally shortly after Thoreau, Walt Whitman comes up and uses his free verse poems to one way or another reflects an aspect of America. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When looking at Whitman’s free verse poems each have a little piece of America hidden in them. To start in his poem “Song of Myself” Whitman writes “I sound my barbaric yawp over the roof of the world/”. This in Whitman’s time was not necessarily true but now a days with America and technology as big as they are its almost every Americans dream/passion to be heard. Next from the same poem Whitman comments about the courage of heroes and their commitment by claiming “I understand the large hearts of heroes/The courage of present times and all times/.../How he follow’d with them and tack’d with them three days and would not give up”. This surly reflects bits of America because without all of the courageous and determined men and women of our country we surly would not have the freedoms and chances that we have today. Another poem in which traits of America are present would be his “I Hear America Singing” where he proclaims “I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear/.../Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else/.../Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs/”. Obviously America fits this because it has such diversities in jobs while also allowing people to go out and find that song that’s just right. Finally in Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself” he proposes “I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable/”. As for its connection to America this quote definitely fits America because as seen with the other quotes there’s many different ways to describe America but no singular universal description, almost untranslatable. Together these examples show bit by bit that Walt Whitman was truly using his writing to try and piece together the main aspects of this country. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Apart and scattered in his poems Whitman’s bits of America can be hard to find but once they are finally found and pieced together it is easy to see what one mans view of America end up being. As Emerson and Thoreau used their writing about nature to describe Americans, Whitman used his different form of poetry to capture his own essence of America.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">James S.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear person from the other side of the world,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walt Whitman was a poet who spoke out to the world. He believed in freedom and to accomplish anything that you desire in this world. Before Whitman was 20 years old he was fascinated by poetry and what he could do with it. The atmoshpere of Brooklyn led him into journalism. He then added the sense of America and the experience of wild life and wilderness that surround him, to his poetry. “ A great poem is for ages and ages in common and for all degrees and complexions and all departments and sects and for a women as much as a man and a man as such as a women. A great poem is no finish to a man or a a women but rather a beginning.” Just some of his many great words led America to the wonderful world of poetry. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman said “Alone far in the wilds and mountains I hunt/ wandering amazed at my own lightness and glee.” He uses a lot of connections with Nature in his poetry. Most of what he writes is inspired by the world and all the wonderful things out there. As Whitman goes on with his poetry here is another quote used “ I understand the large hearts of heroes/ the courage of present times and all times.” He had a great effect on society with all of his wonderful pieces of poetry. He uses many great comparisons to compare these different things to what had been happening in his community. Whitman said this quote in another one of his poems. “ A sight in camp in the day break gray and dim/ as from my tent i emerge so early/sleepless.” Another quote he used in his poetry “ I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of this world” He uses this in one of his many poems expressing his feeling to the world, that he isn’t scared if everyone hears what he has to say. Whitman had many more inspiring quotes through out his time of poetry. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One of his many composed poems,here is one called <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__I Hear America Singing.__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> This poem explains all about the laborers from the nineteenth century. He hears songs in this certain poem that interprets what he is writing about. Does he hear there songs for independence or joy? A feeling of acceptance runs through out the sounds of these voices. Whitman said “ The day what belongs to the day-at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly.” Explaining as to do your work and responsibilities during the day and wait to mess around at night time. This is why you should cherish your time as a kid. They took work very seriously back then. The laborers had hard hours of work and no pay after there time of doing work. As most Whitman’s poems bring together all the efforts and hard times of war and work. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> In conclusion, Americans insisted that poetry be written in England. They wanted the poetry to sound the best with meter and rhyme. Whitman was an inspiration of American poetry. He is very compassionate about his type of poetry and shows it through out all of his great writing. The eastern civilization will always have his great poetry. He clearly shows his poetry captures the spirit of the USA. Walt Whitman has clearly captured the essence of the youth in the United States. He is explaining that the future is in the youths hands and it is our job to shape up the world around us, and to live life to it’s fullest. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stefanie P

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Carson Long

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">November 4, 2011

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Suals-4

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Letter

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear Person from the other side of the world

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> My name is Carson and I am writing about how Walt Whitman captures the spirit of the United States of America in his poetry. Like in his poem Miracles when he says, “As to me, I know of nothing else but miracles,/ Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan,/ Or dart my sight over the roofs of houses toward the sky,” This quote captures the spirit of America and some of his other poems. Walt Whitman captures the spirit of the America by describing the beauty of America, and he also write about the strength of people in America. Finally he glorifies America by using it as a “symbol” in some of his poems.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Walt Whitman uses poetry to draw his picture of America in the reader’s mind. Whitman writes, “All alone stood it, and the moss hung down from the branches.” This quote from I saw in Louisiana a Live Oak Growing, demonstrates his ability to create a beautiful picture of an American image. I think there is a dual message. That the tree is America and the moss hanging down is our arms spreading over the world. Walt Whitman also expresses American individuality and strength in his poem I hear America Sing” when he says “Each singing what belongs to him or her and to no one else,” and in America, when he states “…strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich/ Perennial with the earth, with Freedom, Law and Love.” I believe Whitman wanted to capture his feelings for the individuals who make America strong. Walt Whitman has written around 280 poems and many of them glorify America or parts of America. Like in his poem America, “Centre of equal daughters, equal sons/, All, all alike endear’d, grown, ungrown, young or old, ” I get the feeling that he is trying to illustrate that he appreciates all people and HE sees them as equal.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I hope that you have a better understanding of how the great American Poet, and author, Walt Whitman captured the “spirit of America.” He writes about the beauty and the strength of America, and he glorifies the people and the country, which I think depicts his love for the country.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yours Truly,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Carson

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Max Madorsky,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mr. Sauls

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">P.4

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Nov. 1st

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whitman Poetry

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Dear person on the other side of the world, I am writing to you about the poet ‘Walt Whitman and how his poetry captures the spirit of the U.S.A.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> In his poem “Song Of Myself” he declares “I celebrate myself and sing myself/ and what i assume, you shall assume/ for every atom belonging to me/ as good belongs to you...” I believe he is trying to say we as Americans have freedom, and choice. In the U.S.A. we have the freedom to zmake our lives how we want them. He expresses this when he states “I hear America singing...” We all have our own choices, to make our lives better or worse. This is the freedom of America

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In his poem, “I hear America Singing” he says “Singing with open mouths there strong melodious songs.” He speaks of the freedom we have. The freedom to sing and do what we wish! when I read Walt Whitman’s poetry I feel a general sense of strength and Love for the U.S.A.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In his poem ,“Cavalry Crossing Ford” one of his lines exclaims “scarlet and blue, and snowy white/the Guidon flag’s flutter gaily in the wind”. I believe this part of the poem is about the freedom that was almost taken away from us but we still have because our brave soldiers fought in the Civil War, just so we could keep our simple lifestyles, and those little things we love. We do what we have to so we can keep our people safe, and keep our country ours.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In his poem “A Noiseless Patient Spider” he speaks of what a spider does. It forms webs, connections. It keeps looking for what it wants: new land, a home. “Marked how to explore The vacant vast surrounding/ It launched forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself...” But when you look at this poem, read it, and study it, you realize it is speaking of people, of us. It is a metaphor, or a comparison of spiders to humans. A comparison of the freedom spiders get, want and, need and the freedom we, as Americans have. It lets you understand the meaning of freedom, and what it should mean to you.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In his poem “To Rich Givers” Whitman mentions “what you give me I cheerfully accept...” he speaks of accepting gifts, charity and the like. But he is not ashamed to do so. For even though he does not pay people back with regular cash, or goods, he gives the gift of poetry, which once again expresses the importance of this Man’s work. The poetry is an example of the American spirit. The trade, the love, the confidence!

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerily, Max M

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Impact of Walt Whitman on America

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Walt Whitman, the famous American poet, captured the minds of the United States. Whitman expresses his belief of the United States through proud, beautiful poetry. Walt was a very sociable man who loved to travel. Walt published his first writing in 1855. A book called “leaves of Grass.”This is where his journey as a dramatic poet comes to life.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Walt Whitman had a unbelievable passion for the United States. He shows heart and joy through poetry.”Song of myself” is a collection of fifty two jubilant poems written by Whitman. For example, in “ Song of Myself, poem 10.”The Yankee clipper is under her sky sails,she cuts the sparkle and scud/My eyes settle the land,I bend at her prow or shout joyously from the deck.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In this Platonic quote, Walt describes specifically the beauty of an American mountain range he

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">\hunts upon. In song of myself,poem thirty three, Whitman utilizes his thought and passion for heroes in war.” I understand the large hearts of heroes/The courage of present times and all times.” America has the courage to stand up for what is right!” We sound our barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.” Whitman is proud! We all are proud.” I hear America singing”. In understanding to the call of freedom America has on our civilization.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Walt Whitman is a stunning voice to our country. Passably to the world. His poems change lives. If he can be proud of ones country then we should all be proud of our own country. Whitman also takes from the thoughts of Emerson and Thoreau on nature.”The spotted hawk swoops by and accuses me, he complains of my gab and my loitering.”In details he expresses Americas culture” I saw the marriage of the trapper in the open air in the far west,the bride was a red girl,/Her father and his friends sat near cross-legged and dumbly smoking, they had moccasins to their feet and large thick blankets hanging from there shoulders.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> If i could sum up Walt Whitman in one word it would be passion.Every poem he wrights has a meaning too something in the Unites States. He has courage to express his thoughts to the world. Last, he is a hero to all of America.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">sincerly: Danny R.