The Frailest Leaves: Whitman's Poetic Technique and Style in the Short Poem (American University Studies)

This book analyzes a vast portion of Whitman's corpus that has never been dealt with, collectively, before. In addition, it illuminates the connection between his poetic form and his concept of the distinctly «suggestive» role of the modern poet who addresses urgent themes and emotions through short takes that enlist, individually and collectively, the creative participation of readers. Finally, the book articulates relationships between Whitman's short poem technique and his broadest poetic, moral, and democratic aims.