According to the critics, Walt Whitman is one of America's most inspiring and imaginative poets. Taking ordinary thoughts, Whitman develops ingenious and beautiful stanzas that capture the attention of readers to this day. "Re-examine all that you have been told... dismiss that which insults your soul" (ThinkExist). Taking everyday moments, Whitman provides descriptive, yet intriguing ideas pertaining to the human soul.

As many past authors, Whitman's life outside of being a writer was somewhat disruptive at times. However, critics looked passed that aspect of him. They concentrated solely on his literary impact. Whitman upheld the qualities of a nonconformist, a rebel. The theme of his poetry was generally that of love, life, freedom, and the human soul. There were times when his literature put him in the light of political debates. No US writer had an impact on as many parts of the world as Whitman...