Final answer:
Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was a leading figure in 19th century American poetry. His works celebrated the common man and used descriptive imagery. His most famous poem, 'Song of Myself,' shocked readers in 1855 but has endured due to its significant influence on American literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was a prominent figure in 19th century American poetry. He championed the use of common language in his works and celebrated the common man. Whitman's poetry often engaged with the Civil War and portrayed the world around him using vivid and descriptive imagery. His most famous poem, 'Song of Myself,' shocked many when it was first published in 1855, but it has endured due to its influential impact on American literature.