Final answer:
Walt Whitman's use of free verse in poetry like Leaves of Grass requires readers to read beyond a first glance to truly appreciate its depth. The correct approach to understanding Whitman's message, if initially missed, aligns with option D - revisiting the poem until its meaning becomes clear. Whitman's work is an ongoing experience that reflects the evolving American identity and the human condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we fail to understand Walt Whitman's message, either intentionally or accidentally, committing to grasp his work is the route he would likely endorse. Whitman's poetry, like that found in Leaves of Grass, demands more than a cursory read due to its use of free verse. Whitman's poetry, rich with wordplay and common imagery, can seem disjointed at first, but its deep cadences and rhythms can lure readers into a beautiful linguistic experience. His work spans a terrific scope, from momentous occasions like the Civil War to everyday observations, connecting high and low culture seamlessly, making it ingrained in American identity.
Regarding the choices provided in the question, option D - We will have to go back and read the poem again until we understand it - is the most in alignment with Whitman's ethos. It's important to recognize that Whitman often constructed a shared experience with the reader, and his free-flowing verse is designed to be reflected upon. While Whitman's poetry may not instantly resonate with all, the beauty of his work is that it's meant to be experienced over time. It is not a test of intelligence, but rather a testament to the enduring human condition and our collective cultural development.
Through repeated readings, we engage with Whitman’s vision and contribute our parts toward the eternal, understanding his work as a reflection of ourselves and our nation. Whitman's poetry doesn't make us less American if it's not immediately understood, nor is the poem irrelevant if we struggle to comprehend it at first. Instead, the poem invites us to return, contemplate, and possibly discover new meanings in subsequent readings.