Before the Civil War:
* Romantic and Democratic: Whitman's early poetry celebrated America's democratic ideals, nature, and individual freedom. He saw the individual as central and valued direct, unadorned language. Poems like "Song of Myself" and "I Hear America Singing" exemplify this period.
During the Civil War:
* Witnessing the War: Whitman, deeply affected by the carnage of the war, became a volunteer nurse in Washington D.C. His direct experiences with the wounded and dying soldiers infused his poetry with a new sense of realism and a focus on the horrors of war.
* Emphasis on the Individual: He became increasingly aware of the human cost of conflict, and his poems began to focus on individual experiences and suffering. Works like "Drum-Taps" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd" expressed his grief and compassion for the soldiers.
* Nationalism and Unity: Although critical of the war's impact on individuals, Whitman still believed in the unity and potential of America. He hoped his poems would contribute to healing the nation.
After the Civil War:
* Reflective and Philosophical: Whitman's poetry became more reflective, considering the broader implications of the war and its impact on American identity. Poems like "Passage to India" and "Democratic Vistas" explored themes of democracy, spiritual growth, and the future of America.
* Acceptance and Hope: Despite the trauma of the war, Whitman continued to believe in the possibility of national unity and progress. His poetry reflected a sense of acceptance and hope for a future marked by peace and understanding.
Key Differences:
* Tone: Early poems were celebratory and optimistic, while later works were more somber, reflective, and empathetic.
* Subject Matter: The focus shifted from individual freedom and nature to the human cost of war and the search for national unity.
* Form and Language: While Whitman's early poems were often free verse and conversational, his later work incorporated more structured forms and a heightened sense of poetic language.
Whitman's poetry, both during and after the war, offered a unique perspective on the Civil War. His work explored the individual experiences of soldiers, the horrors of conflict, and the potential for national reconciliation and healing.