The focus of this term paper will be on Walt Whitman`s “Song of Myself” and a selection of Emily Dickinson`s poems that suit the research topic.
The first part of this paper will analyze Whitman`s “Song of Myself” regarding Nature and Religion. His view on things in general was unique and forward for his era and so was his language and choice of words. This paper is going to illustrate Whitman`s beliefs and his relationship with both topics on a deeper level.
The second part of this paper will concentrate on a selection of Emily Dickinson’s poems that relate to Nature and Religion. Her style of writing is not as explicit as Whitman`s and therefore needs to be broken down more. This paper will highlight her exceptional view on nature and religion which was different from the contemporary one.
The third part will then continue establishing which attitude Dickinson and Whitman represent more specifically in their poetry by pointing out similarities and differences. Therefore, this part will essentially summarize the results from the previous chapters and strengthen them.
The last part consists of a conclusion, which will be a recap of the examined topic that is nature and religion in Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson. Furthermore, it will provide an outlook on further research opportunities and things that could not be addressed in this paper yet.
Overall, this paper will argue that Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman are both influenced by the American Romanticism and not only mirror that in their work, but also exceed it. It will also establish what their individual perception of nature and religion is.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself"
- 2.1 Nature in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself"
- 2.2 Religion in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself"
- 3. Emily Dickinson's poems
- 3.1 Nature in Emily Dickinson's poems
- 3.2 Religion in Emily Dickinson's poems
- 4. Comparison of Walt Whitman's and Emily Dickinson's poems
- 4.1 Nature
- 4.2 Religion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes the treatment of nature and religion in the works of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, two prominent figures of 19th-century American Romanticism. It aims to explore their individual perspectives on these themes and compare their approaches to poetic expression.
- The portrayal of nature in Whitman's "Song of Myself" and Dickinson's poetry.
- The representation of religious beliefs and experiences in the works of both authors.
- A comparative analysis of the authors' styles and techniques in conveying their ideas about nature and religion.
- The influence of American Romanticism on their respective artistic visions.
- The unique and innovative aspects of their perspectives on nature and religion within the context of their time.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by discussing the significance of American Romanticism, highlighting its emphasis on nature, self-discovery, and existential questions, including religion, life, and death. It introduces Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson as key Romantic authors whose works explore these themes and establishes the paper's focus on Whitman's "Song of Myself" and a selection of Dickinson's poems. The chapter outlines the paper's structure, foreshadowing the analysis of nature and religion in each author's work, followed by a comparative study and concluding remarks.
2. Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself": This chapter delves into a detailed analysis of Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself," focusing on the pervasive themes of nature and religion. It explores Whitman's unique and forward-thinking perspective for his era, examining his language and imagery in relation to these themes. The chapter will extensively analyze how Whitman's work transcends conventional theological conceptions, celebrating a more individual and inclusive form of spirituality intertwined with the natural world.
2.1 Nature in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself": This section analyzes Whitman's profound connection with nature, exploring his depiction of the natural world through sensory experiences and the intimate relationship he establishes with his environment. It examines how Whitman's work portrays the interconnectedness of all things, demonstrating a deep appreciation for even the smallest elements of the natural world and highlighting nature's role as both teacher and source of spiritual insight. Specific examples from the poem, such as the grass imagery and the celebration of animals, will be examined to illustrate Whitman's unique perspective.
2.2 Religion in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself": This section explores the religious dimensions of "Song of Myself," highlighting how Whitman departs from traditional Christian beliefs and piety, establishing a new, more individualistic form of spirituality. The chapter analyzes how Whitman's work subtly and implicitly counters the prevalent religious dogma of his time and creates an alternative system of belief deeply rooted in nature and human experience.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
American Romanticism, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, "Song of Myself," Nature, Religion, Spirituality, Poetry, 19th-century American Literature, Comparative Literature, Individualism, Transcendentalism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of Nature and Religion in the Works of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes how nature and religion are portrayed in the works of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, two significant figures in 19th-century American Romanticism. It aims to compare their individual perspectives on these themes and their unique poetic styles.
Which works of Whitman and Dickinson are analyzed?
The paper primarily focuses on Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" and a selection of poems by Emily Dickinson.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the portrayal of nature in both authors' works, the representation of religious beliefs and experiences, a comparison of their poetic styles and techniques, the influence of American Romanticism on their artistic visions, and the unique aspects of their perspectives on nature and religion within their historical context.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper begins with an introduction outlining the significance of American Romanticism and the authors' contributions. It then delves into a detailed analysis of Whitman's "Song of Myself," broken down into sections focusing specifically on nature and religion within the poem. A similar analysis follows for Emily Dickinson's poems, also separated into sections on nature and religion. Finally, a comparative analysis of both authors' approaches concludes the paper.
How does the paper analyze Whitman's "Song of Myself"?
The analysis of "Song of Myself" explores Whitman's unique perspective on nature and religion for his time. It examines his language and imagery, demonstrating how his work transcends traditional religious concepts, celebrating a more inclusive spirituality intertwined with the natural world. Specific examples from the poem, such as the grass imagery and the celebration of animals, are used to illustrate his perspective.
How does the paper analyze Emily Dickinson's poems?
The analysis of Dickinson's poems similarly explores her portrayal of nature and religion. It examines her unique poetic style and techniques in conveying her ideas about these themes, placing her work within the context of American Romanticism. (Specific examples from her poems are presumably included in the full paper, although not detailed in this preview).
How does the paper compare Whitman and Dickinson?
The paper offers a comparative analysis of Whitman and Dickinson's styles and techniques in conveying their ideas about nature and religion. It examines how their individual approaches reflect the broader themes of American Romanticism and their unique contributions to the literary landscape.
What are the concluding remarks of the paper?
(The preview doesn't explicitly state the concluding remarks, but it's implied that the conclusion will summarize the key findings of the comparative analysis and reflect on the significance of Whitman and Dickinson's contributions to American literature.)
What keywords are associated with this paper?
American Romanticism, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, "Song of Myself," Nature, Religion, Spirituality, Poetry, 19th-century American Literature, Comparative Literature, Individualism, Transcendentalism.
- Quote paper
- Julia Niehaus (Author), 2018, Nature and Religion in Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1389453
