Final answer:
Whitman's poetic interpretation of grass spans universal connection, remembrance, and egalitarianism. His work often blends natural and urban elements, revealing a unifying, egalitarian voice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The various interpretations of grass in Whitman's poetry are emblematic of the broader themes and stylistic choices that characterize his work. In passages such as "Or I guess it is a uniform hieroglyphic," Whitman suggests that grass could represent a common language or symbol that connects people across different backgrounds, akin to a hieroglyphic.
Another interpretation is "the beautiful uncut hair of graves," which presents grass as a natural marker of remembrance over graves, symbolizing the continuity of life and death.
Whitman's use of natural elements often parallels his use of urban elements by emphasizing a unifying experience that transcends the individual. This is seen in his portrayal of grass as something connecting people of all races, occupations, and statuses—"Growing among black folks as among white, Kanuck, Tuckahoe, Congressman, Cuff." This egalitarian vision is a key characteristic of Whitman's voice in poetry, which often merges the individual with the universal.
During the Civil War, Whitman's poetry engaged with the human experience and the nation's turmoil. His work provides an intimate and compassionate look at the individuals involved, as well as a hopeful perspective on the nation's enduring spirit.