Final answer:
Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman differed in their poetic styles with Dickinson's concise, enigmatic verses and Whitman's expansive free verse, both marking a departure from traditional literary norms of their time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman both contributed greatly to the evolution of American literature, yet their styles and approaches were distinctively different, reflecting their own perspectives and lives. While both poets are often associated with the movement of Late Romanticism, they established new voices that broke away from the tradition that was set by Emerson, Hawthorne, and Melville by introducing themes and techniques that were not previously seen in American literature.
Dickinson was known for her short, concise verse, often delving into themes of death, isolation, and immortality without succumbing to a tone of melancholy. Her use of slant rhyme and enigmatic syntax pushed the boundaries of traditional poetics, offering a fresh perspective on familiar landscapes.
On the other hand, Whitman embraced free verse, focusing on the individual and the collective spirit with his sprawling, inclusive lines and celebration of democracy and the human experience. His utilization of both natural and urban elements in his poetry marked a departure from previous poetic tradition.