American Experience: Walt Whitman

I have a very great appreciation for Walt Whitman — I will occasionally go around quoting "Song of Myself," I receive updates on Washington-area events via CyberWalt, and the above picture is frequently my desktop wallpaper. So, imagine my delight when I saw that PBS was showing an American Experience: Walt Whitman earlier this month.

I think part of my love for Whitman comes from the fact that his poetry reflects his sexuality, and he wrote it at a time when attaining publication for risque verse (and not being subsequently censored, which it was) was difficult, but he didn't care. Whitman's poetry is also transcendent: it is a reflection of the strife and turmoil of the 1860s, yet much of what he touches on is applicable for every generation.

For those who only know the poetry, American Experience is a wonderful way to learn about Whitman the man. And if you're a literary nerd like me, there is something strangely satisfying about seeing the Whitman critics who are featured on the show.