ents the same, and their parents the sameàö (6-7). As a result, WhitmanÆs poetry is not simply about the triumph of the individual, but the collective American spirit and its historical legacy.
While it is apparent that WhitmanÆs understanding and appreciation for the American character, along with his intention to not simply describe what is beautiful about his nation but provide readers with a sense of wisdom as well, are his greatest strengths as poet, these same traits may actually reflect his weakness as a writer as well. By focusing on such national concerns and experiences, Whitman often fails to capture a sense of general humanity in his poetry. One might argue that his poetry is, in fact, too specific and uniquely American. In the 1855 preface to Leave of Grass, Whitman decla
...