David Deaton
Mr. Huitt
American Lit and Comp
24 January 2014
Dickinson versus Whitman
Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson's works have numerous differences. Compared to Dickinson's short and seemingly simple poems, Whitman's are long and often complex. Yet both twentieth century writers share several similarities when scrutinized thoroughly. Though their approaches differ, they often deal with the same themes, and both pioneered their own unique style of writing.
Using death as a theme is probably the strongest connection that Whitman and Dickinson share. Whitman's view on death is reflective of his belief in Transcendentalism. In "Song of Myself", Whitman uses the scientific principle of the conservation of energy to assert that there is life after death, because energy cannot be destroyed; only transformed. In stanza six, he writes "And what do you think has become of the women and children?/ They are alive and well somewhere,/ The smallest sprouts shows there is really no death" (Whitman 124-126). Whitman contends that life remains long after death,
Dickinson's writings on death are more complex and contradictory. She personifies death, generally seeing as a lord or as a compelling lover. In one of her more popular poems, "Because I could not stop for Death", death is like a kindly courter. He picks her up in a "Carriage held but just for Ourselves-/ And Immortality" (Dickinson 3-4). Many of her other poems are about the moment of death, and what happens when the living cross over into the dead. In "I heard a Fly buzz- when I died", Dickinson tries to explain what happens at the boundary of death. She describes the experience as conflicted as she attempts to define that moment with vivid images and sounds.
Religion is also another subject both writers struggle with, and it often ties into the death theme. Whitman challenged the traditional idea of religion, basing his philosophy off of transcendentalism. He often puts himself in place God. In "Song of Myself" Stanza 19 is a parallel to the feast of the rich man in the Bible. Whitman compares himself to Jesus, inviting "the wicked just the same as the righteous"(Whitman 373). Despite the tendency of Romantics to dismiss God completely, Whitman felt the need to address the larger issues of religion and God.
Emily Dickinson's philosophy on death was much more traditional, yet she too constantly questioned the Calvinistic beliefs she had grown up with. Her fixation on death is a fundamental part of her religious beliefs, and many of her poems focus on her anxiety over her Elect status. Many of her poems seem to question God's existence, and the importance of Him if He does exist. Dickinson feels the need to challenge the role of religion, yet ultimately is incapable of tossing old beliefs entirely.
While Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson's works seem to be quite different, they share common themes, namely death and religion. While their views may differ, there is a sense of commonality when reading their works side by side. Both poets are acclaimed American writers, offering up distinct voices and beliefs that are still heard today.

Works Cited

Dickinson, Emily. "Because I Could Not Stop for Death,." Because I Could Not Stop for Death,. N.p., 25 Feb. 2009. Web. 30 Jan. 2014.
Whitman, Walt. "WALT WHITMAN (1819-1892) SONG OF MYSELF." A Buddhist Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2014.