In March 1842, at the Society Library on Broadway, the famous writer Emerson's speech inspired the young Whitman: "Who says that we in America do not have our own poetry? Our poets and literary giants It's right here! ..." The impassioned and inspiring speech of this tall contemporary writer excited Whitman in the audience, and his blood boiled in his chest, and he felt a surge of strength and incomparable power. With firm belief, he wants to penetrate into every field, every class, and every lifestyle. He wants to listen to the voices of the earth, the people, and the nation, and create new and extraordinary poems.
In 1854, Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" came out. This collection of poems is passionate and unrestrained, breaking the constraints of traditional meter. Democratic ideas and strong protests against racial, ethnic, and social oppression were expressed in new forms. It had a huge impact on the development of American and European poetry.
The publication of "Leaves of Grass" excited Emerson in Concord. was born! The long-awaited American poet was born in front of our eyes. He gave these poems a very high evaluation, saying that these poems are "not only poems that belong to the United States, but also poems that belong to the world", "are extremely wonderful", " "Has indescribable magic", "has terrible eyes and the spirit of a buffalo"
"Leaves of Grass" was praised by such a prestigious writer as Emerson, causing some people to evaluate it poorly. The worthless newspapers immediately changed their tone, softened, and began to spread the word. However, Whitman's innovative writing style, non-rhyming format, and novel ideological content were not so easily accepted by the public. It often takes a long process for the public to accept a new thing. His "Leaves of Grass" did not sell well because of Emerson's praise. However, Whitman gained confidence and courage from it. At the end of 1855, he printed a second edition, in which he added 20 new poems.
In 1860, when Whitman decided to publish the third edition of "Leaves of Grass" and would add some new works, Emerson tried his best to dissuade Whitman from canceling several of the "sex" poems. Poetry, otherwise the third edition would not sell well. Whitman said disapprovingly to Emerson: "Then it will still be such a good book after deletion?" Emerson retorted: "I didn't say it was still a good book, I said it was a good book after deletion. Good book!" The persistent Whitman still refused to give in. He said to Emerson: "In the depths of my soul, my intention is not to obey any restraint, but to follow my own path. "It will not be deleted, just let it flourish and wither!" He continued: "The dirtiest book in the world is a book that has been deleted. Deletion means apology, surrender, surrender..."
The third edition of "Leaves of Grass" was published and became a huge success. Soon it spread across borders to France and to many parts of the world.
Emerson once said: "Secular prejudice often kills promising seedlings." In order to avoid such a tragedy from happening to you, if you see it correctly, you must make up your mind and be confident , not to be influenced by the outside world, and have the courage to follow your own path.