American Masters Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson Similarities

American Masters Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson

Similarities Between Whitman and Dickinson n Observers of people, daily life n Great American poets n Models for future poets

Differences Between Whitman and Dickinson n Walt Whitman – – – – – Extravagant with words and careless with repetition and self-contradiction Aimed for the large overall impression Cataloged everything in sight. Expressed romantic and transcendental theory through poetry. Technique is based on cadence– a long, easy sweep of sound that echoes the Bible and speeches of orators or preachers. Known for writing in free verse-poetry without rhyme or meter Was sociable and loved people • Embraced the ideal of working class democracy more fully than his contemporaries Traveled a lot Expected a large audience; he invited everyone to share in his experiences/emotions/philosophies Experienced success and fame n Emily Dickinson – – – Wrote with precision Was extremely careful in her word choice—aimed to EVOKE feelings rather than name them. Stanzas were controlled by the demands of rhyme and meter she found in her hymn book Wrote in quatrains Known for use of slant rhyme-a rhyming sound that is not exact • – – Follow/fellow or mystery/mastery Was private and shy Stayed in one house Expected no audience Died unknown as a poet