Final answer:
Walt Whitman is regarded as a revolutionary writer for his innovative free verse style and content that celebrated democracy, nature, and human spirit, influencing countless literary movements after him, such as Realism and Modernism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walt Whitman as a Revolutionary Writer
Walt Whitman is often deemed a revolutionary writer due to his radical approach to poetry and his celebration of the common person. His magnum opus, Leaves of Grass, introduced a new free verse style, eschewing the rigid structure of rhyme and meter prevalent in the poetry of his time. Whitman's work was revolutionary for its content as well, celebrating democracy, nature, and the human spirit in a raw and direct manner that was almost unprecedented. He depicted both natural and urban elements with equal fervor, and his poetry contained a unique, sometimes controversial voice that engaged with critical issues of his time, including the Civil War. His liberal use of imagery and candid exploration of life and identity influenced future generations and irrevocably changed American literature.
Whitman's work stood out because he often used free verse in a time when traditional forms were the norm. His poetry also sought to democratize American literature, bringing attention to the experiences of the common people rather than focusing on elitist themes. Furthermore, Whitman's vivid descriptions of personal freedom and the transcendence of the human spirit, as seen in poems like Song of Myself, were at once an embodiment of Romantic ideals and a bold step away from conventional literary forms of the period.
Throughout his life, Whitman wore many hats: a journalist, teacher, government clerk, and volunteer nurse during the Civil War. The diverse experiences Whitman had contributed to the richness and authenticity of his poetry, which resonated with readers and cemented his legacy as a key figure in the evolution of American poetry. His influence persists, serving as a cornerstone for the late Romantic period and as an inspiration for Realism and Modernism movements that followed.