1. Length and Scope: "Leaves of Grass" is a long poem, originally published in 1855 with 12 untitled poems and expanding over several editions to include hundreds of poems. Its scope encompasses a wide range of themes, covering personal, social, political, and philosophical aspects.
2. Elevated Language and Style: The language used in "Leaves of Grass" is often elevated and grandiloquent, befitting the epic genre. Whitman employs a rhetorical style, repetition, and imagery to create a sense of grandeur and importance.
3. Heroic Protagonist: While not a traditional heroic figure like those found in classical epics, Whitman himself emerges as the protagonist of his own poem. He speaks in the first person, addressing his readers directly and exploring his own experiences, thoughts, and emotions as he seeks to understand and connect with the universe.
4. Universal Themes: "Leaves of Grass" delves into universal themes that resonate across cultures and time. It explores topics such as democracy, nature, spirituality, love, friendship, and the human experience. Whitman aims to capture the essence of American democracy and celebrates the diversity of human life.
5. Mythic and Symbolic Elements: The poem is infused with mythic and symbolic elements. Whitman weaves together Biblical allusions, classical mythology, and Native American folklore to create a multi-layered and symbolic representation of the American experience.
6. Narrative Structure: Although not a single, continuous narrative, "Leaves of Grass" follows a loose narrative structure. It progresses from the poet's personal journey of self-discovery to a broader vision of societal transformation and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
7. Influence and Significance: "Leaves of Grass" has had a profound impact on American literature and culture. It is widely regarded as a significant literary achievement and has influenced subsequent generations of poets and writers. Its contribution to the development of the free verse form, in particular, has made it an epic of modernism.
Therefore, while it may depart from traditional epic structures and protagonists, "Leaves of Grass" can be considered an epic poem due to its length, elevated language, universal themes, mythic elements, and its influence on the literary landscape.