Whitman saw poetry as a democratic art form that should speak to all people, regardless of their social class or background. He believed that all Americans, regardless of their profession or status, had the potential to be poets because their experiences and perspectives were valuable.
For Whitman, the ideal American poet would be:
* A passionate advocate for individual freedom and equality: He believed that true poetry should celebrate the individual and champion the ideals of a democratic society.
* A keen observer of the American landscape and its people: He saw beauty in the everyday, from the bustling streets of New York City to the rolling plains of the Midwest.
* A champion of the common man and woman: He believed that the experiences of ordinary people were worthy of poetic expression.
While Whitman didn't explicitly name a list of "American Poets," he certainly admired and influenced many poets of his time, such as:
* Emily Dickinson: Her unconventional style and focus on personal themes resonated with Whitman's vision of a democratic and expansive poetry.
* Edgar Allan Poe: While Poe's work differed significantly from Whitman's in style and content, Whitman recognized his poetic talent and the depth of his imagination.
* Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: While Longfellow's work was more traditional than Whitman's, Whitman admired his ability to capture the beauty of the American landscape and its history.
It's important to note that Whitman's idea of "American Poets" was not limited to poets who were born in the United States. He believed that any poet who embraced the spirit of democracy and celebrated the diversity of the American experience could be considered an "American Poet."
In essence, Whitman believed that anyone could be an American poet if they were willing to engage with the world around them, to celebrate the beauty of the ordinary, and to use their voice to advocate for a more just and equitable society.