Whitman was born 18 19 in a poor peasant family in xishan village, Long Island, the eastern United States. At the age of five, his family moved to Brocklein, and his father became a carpenter. Whitman's mother is a quiet and noble woman, who exerts a subtle influence on Whitman's inner qualities. Whitman's grandfather was a friend of Tom Paine, a famous Democrat, and Whitman's parents were followers of utopian socialism, which planted the seeds of democratic thought in the young Whitman's young mind.
Due to family difficulties, Whitman only attended primary school for five years, and was forced to support himself from the age of 1 1. He worked as a handyman, compositor, editor, teacher and clerk ... hard work took Whitman's childhood away. Needless to say, in the classroom where Lang Lang is reading, he has no chance, or even almost no time for self-study. Although he is in a difficult situation, his thirst for knowledge is increasing day by day. After work, Whitman diligently taught himself. He read folk songs, Greek epics, Shakespeare's plays and Scott's novels with great interest, as well as works of western European progressive poets and writers such as Byron, Bai Langning, george sand and Dickens. After years of extensive reading, Whitman's thought of democratic progress came into being. He supported the struggle for the liberation of slaves and delivered an impassioned speech.
184 1 year, Whitman became a compositor in new york New World Printing Factory. Because of his hard work and good writing, he was quickly promoted to a newspaper reporter. So he works and writes. From 184 1 to 1842, he wrote seven short stories and some poems, which were published in literary journals. Whitman's early poems are mostly imitations of the times, and they use sentimental emotions to promote a dogmatic theme, which is not very mature in art. Nevertheless, these works have brought him a reputation as a newcomer in the literary world.
During his time as editor of Dawn and Brocklein Daily Eagle, he was fired twice because he boldly and thoroughly condemned the hypocrisy of bourgeois democracy and offended the agents of the bourgeoisie.
Later, on the recommendation of a friend, Whitman was hired as the editor of New Orleans, a big southern city. Whitman was shocked by the cruel slavery still existing in the area. After only working for two months, he couldn't restrain his resentment and left New Orleans despite his friends' repeated detention.
After Whitman resigned, he went upstream along the Mississippi River and made a long-distance roaming in China. He visited Chicago, the Great Lakes and the magnificent Niagara Falls. Whitman has extensive contact with the working people in the middle and lower classes of society, from fishermen, sailors and dockers to drivers, pioneers and slaves, and deeply understands their bitter life and struggle experiences. Whitman swam against the current of the times and constantly explored life, society and democracy.
After this domestic roaming, Whitman broadened his horizons and became more mature. After returning to new york, he changed into a worker's uniform, inherited his father's old job and became a carpenter. During the day, Whitman worked nervously to support himself and his family. In the evening, regardless of the fatigue of the day, he buried himself in writing under the lamp. After bold exploration, Whitman wrote free verse in a new form of expression and took an important step in poetry creation.
1855, Whitman printed the first edition of Leaves of Grass, with only 94 pages, 10 poems. As soon as it came out, it was violently attacked, and the content and form were not accepted by people. However, Whitman did not flinch. The following year, he printed the second edition, adding 12 poems. Leaves of Grass shows rich contents, including praise for nature, praise for workers, exposure of false democracy and enthusiasm for revolutionary struggle. In art, it has got rid of the shackles of traditional metrical poems and has strong artistic expression.
In the midst of shouting and cursing, Emerson, a famous American writer and critic, gave Whitman warm applause and lofty evaluation.
Over the years, Whitman has constantly revised and updated Leaves of Grass. By the time the poet 1892 died, he had accumulated 296 poems, 15000 lines, which became a masterpiece. As time went on, Whitman was not recognized at first, until he finally achieved great success. His reputation has surpassed that of American literary and art circles. He is regarded as one of the greatest poets in America, and Leaves of Grass is also regarded as a masterpiece in the literary history of America and even the world.