Final answer:
The section "Origins of Native Poetry" is included to provide essential context for understanding the cultural, historical, and literary background of the poetry, which helps readers appreciate its significance and interpret it more accurately.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main reason an author includes a section such as "Origins of Native Poetry" is to provide context and understanding about the roots and influences of the poetry discussed. This context can be crucial for interpreting the poetry itself and for appreciating its cultural and historical significance. By discussing the origins and evolution of native poetry, the author sheds light on the oral traditions and written literature that contributed to its formation. This background can help readers understand the unique aspects of the poetry, such as its thematic concerns, structural forms, and the role it plays in the identity and continuity of the culture from which it originates.
Furthermore, the mention of authors like Whitman in the provided information illustrates how the inclusion of a historical context section could enhance the understanding of a poet's work, how it may reflect or diverge from traditional forms, and the cultural narrative it weaves. In Whitman's case, understanding the era of American history he wrote in and his personal experiences offers invaluable insight into his celebration of the individual and democracy.