Here's why:
* Ancient Poetry: Many ancient cultures, like the Greeks and Chinese, had poetic forms that didn't adhere to strict rhyme and meter rules. These forms were often more conversational and relied on rhythm and imagery.
* Early Modern Poets: In the early modern period, poets like William Blake and William Wordsworth experimented with freer forms, often breaking away from the strict iambic pentameter of traditional English poetry.
* Whitman's Influence: Whitman's *Leaves of Grass* (1855) was a significant work that helped popularize free verse in English. His poems were characterized by their long lines, irregular rhythm, and conversational tone.
* Other 20th Century Pioneers: The early 20th century saw a further embrace of free verse, with poets like Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, and Marianne Moore using it to create a diverse range of experimental and modern poetry.
So, while Whitman is considered a pivotal figure in the development of free verse in English, it's more accurate to say that free verse evolved over time and was influenced by many poets and cultures.