Sample Student Research Project, fall 2004
LITR
4232: American Renaissance
Sample Student Research Project, fall 2004
Bonnie Napoli
16 November 2004
Research
Journal: Walt Whitman: Let's Talk About Sex
Introduction
Throughout
the American Renaissance, a celebrated circle of writers and poets ignited
intense feelings and emotions among readers. Ever since, these same works are as
alive as ever, provoking the same overpowering emotions among audiences. Thought
by many to be the "Great American Poet," Walt Whitman seduces readers
with sexual poetry providing an uncomfortably curious enjoyment.
Since
my first experience reading Whitman, I have been fascinated with his entire
life. I find one of the most captivating aspects of Whitman is the openness he
brings to the topic of sex and sexuality. Many know his own sexual preference is
questionable, but much of Whitman's poetry drips with a sexual energy and
content that may be too explicit for some. I find it quite interesting that
presently in the year 2004, this openly yet somewhat negative sexual taboo still
prevails. However, a notable feature of Whitman's poetry is the opportunity to
elevate the text as deep as you wish to go.
Throughout
research I gained much knowledge of Whitman's youth and life, which could easily
be connected to his honesty. I also researched the underworld following of
Whitman known as the starving bohemian artists of New York. I also studied two
of my favorite Whitman poems, "I Sing the Body Electric," and
"Song of Myself," which allowed me to focus on the sexual side of
Whitman's works.
My
main attraction with Whitman seems to be why many others are so uncomfortable
with him. The sexual content that bothers others intrigues me. The negative
taboo that prevails in our society seems to contradict what we see in theatres
and on television. Although the outlook on sex in our society has become more
acceptable, the negativity that still follows this issue seems to still hold an
unpleasant aura around it. My theory is that the power of written words allows
the sexual images to become more overwhelming than the screen.
This is because the reader is given the opportunity to create their own
images instead of someone else feeding the sexual images to them. It seems
naughty if one imagines sex on their own but if someone gives them an image it
is okay because it is the thoughts of someone else and not their own.
Another interest I hold in
Whitman is his ability to come across as neither male nor female. He seems to
have an ability of becoming genderless through his writing. He is not a male and
he is not a female, but a human, genderless and speaking to all walks of life.
The
"in your face" sex Whitman provides is remarkable because it is
honest. I admire Whitman for his bravery and courage, which continues to inspire
the self-proclaimed bohemians of our time. "He worshiped boldness,
contradiction, and change, shocked contemporaries with his candor about
sexuality, and created radical poetry voicing a radical consciousness: 'For I
confront peace, security, and all the settled laws, to unsettle them',"
(Harper).
Some
Background Information on Whitman-
Born
in 1819 on Long Island, Whitman was one of eight children. Whitman was
"exposed to fundamental religious, literary, and political issues that
would provide him with a lifetime's food for thought- and fodder for culturally
representative poetry," (Reynolds). A complete free thinker, he held
foundations in many different religions. Whitman began working at a young age,
which exposed him to the printing process and newspaper industry. These were not
limited to other jobs of a typesetter, schoolteacher, newspaper editor,
storekeeper, and house builder. All of his life, Whitman was a working class
man. Whitman grew to be passionate on issues such as race and slavery, which
connected to his upbringing in New York.
As
far as women were concerned, there were many that Whitman carried many
stimulating conversations with. From research, this was all the relationships
were based on. No information was found on a heterosexual relationship in
Whitman's life. However, it is noted that "one English admirer, Anne
Gilchrist, fell in love with Whitman and came to America hoping to marry him,
but his questionable homosexuality allowed him only one love, his main work, Leaves
of Grass," (Harper).
An
admirer of Ralph Waldo Emerson's works, Whitman formed a relationship with the
fellow writer.
Dying
in 1892 in Camden, New Jersey, Walt Whitman's spirit still prevails in the souls
of past, present, and future readers.
The
Bohemian Underworld and Whitman-
Others inspire many artists and
artists inspire many others. Whitman was a massive figure in the bohemian
underworld that surfaced in New York. At a basement beer cellar named Pfaff's,
many fabulous times were spent. In Greenwich Village, 1855, Charlie Pfaff opened
a new hangout for America's first bohemians, (Basta). These bohemians, free
spirited, rebellious folk, gathered at Pfaff's to discuss issues such as
politics, sex, and life. "The diversity of contributing voices that made
possible dialogues between sexes and social classes also opened up new ground
for cross-fertilizing discussions between diverse arts, and between artists and
political progressives- as poets rubbed up against journalists, humorists, and
theater people, while writers could debate the relevance of aesthetic
experimentation with reformers urging economic or political change," (Gibian).
With an eclectic array of people, Pfaff's served as a liberal hangout for
artists who were free spirited, free thinking, and definitely free minded. Of
course be prepared to drink cold beer, fine wine, and do not forget a pack of
smokes. One does not need to travel to New York to become a member of such an
eclectic group of people. Houston is home to many coffeehouses that provide the
atmosphere of different people with enriching conversation. I enjoy visiting
Agora or Brazils, two coffeehouses that are always occupied with an interesting
array of individuals. Whitman became a regular at Pfaff's were he observed and
participated in the conversations and spirits.
Unique
Style-
Whitman's poetry is formatted in free verse.
For the most part he breaks free from the traditional structure of rhyme
patterns but still uses many poetic traditional devices. Whitman is not a stranger to use parallelism, catalogs, and
inclusiveness within his poetry. By
using these techniques, he provides a deeper, more personal connection with his
readers. Whitman's passion shines
through his works and readers should feel the desire he puts forth in trying to
get his readers to participate with the poetry. With Whitman's works, or any literature, a deeper connection
will exist. His style makes
participation easy with his numerous uses of 'I' and 'you'.
O
my body! I dare not desert the likes of you in other men and
women,
nor the likes of the parts of you,
I
believe the likes of you are to stand or fall with the likes of the soul,
(and
that they are the soul,)
I
believe the likes of you shall stand or fall with my poems, and that
they
are my poems,
"I
Sing the Body Electric," Lines 129-131
This
use of 'I' and 'you' allows the reader a personal harmony and presents a
distinctive reaction that the poem was written specifically for him or her.
This creates a very intimate encounter when reading Whitman's poems.
Song
of Myself-
The
smoke of my own breath,
Echoes,
ripples, buzz'd whispers, love-root, silk-thread, crotch and vine
Lines
21 and 22
The sensual language Whitman
uses can only be described as striking and this is only because the language is
completely straightforward. One of
the many words that could seem erotic in this line is love-root but the peculiar
vocabulary is somewhat sweet. One
may giggle, but by no means should this be interpreted as perverted or even
pornographic. Whitman says, "I
celebrate myself," (Line 1), and everyone should!
Why not celebrate yourself? Whitman understands how precious life is so
why can some of his readers not? His poetry should charge one up, liberate and
refresh. The words in "Song of Myself" can be universal to all.
Everyone can gain inspiration from Whitman's openness. Why does one become
distressed with the poetry? Humans do not deserve anything less than one hundred
percent appreciation and love.
How
you settled your head athwart my hips and gently turn'd over upon me,
And
parted the shirt from my bosom-bone, and plunged your tongue to my
bare-stript
heart
Lines
88-90
If
these words make one uncomfortable, he or she is interpreting these beautiful
truths into something sinful. When one can flip on the television and see the
unloving sex that is imaged on current programs, the misunderstanding is found
when many say this poetry is just too hard to swallow. Maybe people are just too
shy to speak of sex but that is life. Not to sound cliché, but it is a
beautiful thing. If people could be more loving and open minded I imagine this
world could be a different place. "Song of Myself" shows honesty and a
gentle sincerity that is simply love. Love one another and love yourself. If one
truly reads Whitman's works with an open mind and slight embarrassment, there is
no doubt that a newfound sense of inspiration will overcome.
One
can identify with Whitman's poetry by placing his or her mind fully in his
words. When one reads, "I celebrate myself," do not think of Whitman
speaking these words, think as an individual personally speaking these words.
The poem will then create a totally new meaning. This will be very empowering
and show that the sexuality found in Whitman's poems is not naughty but nice.
"I
Sing the Body Electric": Sex and Girl Power-
My
favorite Whitman poem is "I Sing the Body Electric." The first time I
read this poem many years ago I did not understand the very sexual gist of the
words. Although I have realized much of the underlying sexual tone, the feelings
the first read provided me can never be replaced or changed. This is another
great aspect of Whitman's poetry. As mentioned previously, one can take the
meanings as far as he or she chooses to keep that level of personal comfort. In
this poem more than ever, Whitman becomes genderless. Not only is this poem
infused with sex, but another aspect which is the adoration of women, (and men
too.)
Be
not ashamed women, your privilege encloses the rest, and is the exit of the
rest,
You
are the gates of the body, and you are the gates of the soul.
Lines
66 and 67
These
lines are stunning. Whitman exalts women by recognizing without females males
would not exist. How beautiful is the thanks he gives females? Females provide
humans the entrance to life.
Have
you ever loved the body of a woman?
Have
you ever loved the body of a man?
Lines
121 and122
This
is sincerity and truth. Whitman allows readers not to be ashamed of our bodies,
our genders, or our sexuality. By the end of this poem he elaborately describes
the human body, not only the outer body but the inner body, the organs, the
molecules, right down to the atoms that make up the self. One cannot help to
feel a chill in his or her body part as he or she reads each individual
description.
"Mouth,
tongue, lips, teeth, roof of the mouth, jaws, and the jaw-hinges"
Line
135
Readers
become involved when reading poetry such as this. The words are hands on and one is instantly drawn into the
poem. When reading the words one feels his mouth and licks his lips, he moves
his jaw or whatever the description reads.
He cannot help but participate. The
release and surrender of readers is why Whitman's words are so exquisite.
Sex-
The
sex within Whitman's poetry may seem very over the top. I believe Whitman only
did this with the best intentions. When one can be candid there is nothing to
hide. There is much speculation that Whitman was homosexual and enjoyed the
company of younger males. Regardless, the issue of his personal sexuality should
not be an issue when reading his works. Because Whitman can come across as
genderless, there is deeper meaning within the poetry. If a reader is looking
for the homosexuality within Whitman's poems that reader is not looking for the
true, refreshing point of the poem. Many may blush at the thought of reading one
of Whitman's sexually charged poems aloud in front of an audience but hopefully
the meaning that comes across when read will not be that of a dirty, perverted
tone. Instead a liberating, "love your body attitude" should arise and
that should change the perception of the individual and his or her sexual image.
One could spend many hours discovering the meanings and avenues of sexual
innuendos within Whitman's poetry but the special words and intimate tones are
there for a reason. Readers must remember not to turn the delightful poems into
something filthy or immoral.
Unfortunately, our society
teaches us to hide our bodies or be ashamed of who we are and what we look like.
I think Walt Whitman would have been an excellent sex education teacher.
The empowerment he gives the human body is a confidence all should
portray. Before you can love
another, you have to love yourself. I
have gained from Whitman's poetry that if you embrace your body and mind, you
carry yourself in a free spirited fashion.
Conclusion-
My
findings of Whitman and deeper exploration of his life and times only allows me
to deepen the love I already hold for him and his poetry. I am even fortunate
enough to have visited his old stomping grounds of New York, Philadelphia, and
Camden, New Jersey, to name a few. In
these cities his spirit is alive. However,
one does not need to travel to experience Whitman's soul.
His poetry allows his essence to live within his readers. My true passion in understanding Whitman's poetry is to
teach and educate others on the revitalizing awareness his works can allow.
Honesty, courage, and rebellion are traits that have been misplaced since
Whitman's time. By becoming more aware of the self, one can truly be proud and
confident. I feel Whitman allows his readers the boost he or she needs to gain
the self-awareness and confidence through his many honest, charming works.
Works
Cited
Basta,
Arno. "PFAFF's on Broadway." Greenwich Village Gazette. Retrieved on
the World Wide Web from www.gvny.com on October 31, 2004. <http://www.gvny.com/content/history/pfaffs.htm>
Gibian,
Peter. "Conversations With Whitman." Mickle Street Review. Retrieved
on the World Wide Web from www.micklestreet.rutgers.edu on October 30, 2004.
<http://www.micklestreet.rutgersedu/pages/essays/gibianon.htm>
Lawson,
Andrew. "Spending for Vast Returns: Sex, Class, and Commerce in the First
Leaves of Grass." American Literature. June 2003 v75 issue 2
335-365. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Alfred R. Neumann Library, Clear Lake,
TX. 9 November 2004. <http://search.epnet.com>
McQuade,
Donald, ed., The Harper Single Volume American Literature, 3rd edition.
New York: Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc., 1999.
Maslan,
Mark. Whitman Possessed: Poetry, Sexuality, and Popular Authority. Baltimore,
Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.
Pollak,
Vivian R. The Erotic Whitman. Los Angeles, California: University of
California Press, 2000.
Reynolds,
David S. Walt Whitman's America: A Cultural Biography. New York: Alfred A
Knopf, Inc., 1995