A Place for Humility: Whitman, Dickinson, and the Natural World

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Exploring the poetry of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman reveals their dual focus on nature as both a metaphorical realm and a tangible environment impacted by human actions. Their work reflects a significant cultural shift in 19th-century America, where wilderness transitioned from a resource to a cherished entity needing preservation. Christine Gerhardt examines how their poetry engages with emerging environmental sensibilities, highlighting their thematic and formal connections despite their differing styles. This analysis uncovers a rich dialogue about the complexities of human-nature relationships in their works.