Final answer:
Walt Whitman was known as the journeyman poet of Americanness, celebrated for his work 'Leaves of Grass' and his poem 'Song of Myself,' that highlighted individualism and democracy, resonating deeply with the American spirit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walt Whitman, born in 1819, was known as the journeyman poet of Americanness and its champion. He was a multifaceted individual, working various jobs such as a journalist, newspaper editor, law clerk, schoolteacher, printer, civil servant, and hospital aide while continually pursuing his passion for writing. Notably, his poetry, including the renowned "Song of Myself," expresses a deep affection for the common people and everyday life.
Whitman's approach to poetry was unconventional for his time, often forgoing traditional rhyme and meter, which left a profound impact on American literature and contributed to the transcendentalist movement. Perhaps his most famous work, Leaves of Grass, contains over 400 poems and showcases his ability to blend cultural forms with the language of the common man. His poetry resonates for its celebration of life, individualism, and democracy, championing the American spirit in a rapidly modernizing nation. Whitman's writing remained influential throughout his life and after his death in 1892.