Here's why:
* Breaking from Tradition: Whitman's poetry broke away from the strict, formal traditions of European poetry. He embraced free verse, incorporating colloquial language, American vernacular, and the rhythms of everyday speech. This resonated with Pound's desire for a distinct and authentically American voice in poetry.
* Embracing Democracy and Individuality: Whitman celebrated the common man and the diversity of American life. He saw poetry as a powerful tool for expressing the individual experience and the collective spirit of the nation. This democratic spirit aligned with Pound's vision of a poetry that reflected the realities and aspirations of the American people.
* Celebrating the Landscape: Whitman's poetry was deeply connected to the American landscape. He celebrated the vastness and beauty of the natural world, reflecting the unique character of the American experience. Pound, who had a deep appreciation for the natural world, saw this as an essential element of authentically American poetry.
* Influencing the Imagists: Pound, along with other poets, formed the Imagist movement, which drew heavily from Whitman's approach. They emphasized concrete imagery, precise language, and the use of free verse to create vivid and impactful poetry.
While Pound admired Whitman's influence, he also recognized the limitations of Whitman's approach. He felt that Whitman's free verse could sometimes become too diffuse and lacked the formal structure needed to create truly great poetry. This led Pound to develop his own theories of poetry, emphasizing the use of musicality, precision, and conciseness.
However, Pound always acknowledged Whitman's role as a pioneer of American poetry and a crucial figure in shaping the landscape of American literary expression.