Walt Whitman's Final Years
People are entitled to their opinions; such is this right that is bestowed upon us. How one is to interpret that opinion is subject to debate. Are we to fault a person for their certain beliefs, whatever they may be? Obviously, throughout history the many great thinkers that have come before us were opinionated people, which is why they were and have become such respected and enduring figures. That sentiment holds true for Walt Whitman. Often referred to as the "poet of democracy", Whitman settled in Camden in the early 1870's, where he had come to visit his dying mother at his brother's house. However, after suffering a stroke, Whitman found it impossible to return to Washington. He stayed with his brother until the 1882 publication of "Leaves of Grass", which gave Whitman enough money to purchase a modest home in Camden for the sum of $800. While in Camden, in addition to revising "Leaves of Grass", he continued to work on an assortment of manuscripts, as well as preparing his final volume of poems and prose, "Good-Bye, My Fancy". During his final years, a man by the name of Horace L. Traubel began recording his daily conversations with Whitman. His insight on an array of topics, from "Lea
"Every word a struggle. And again I kissed him, and heard him say, "Bless--bless." Coughed--choked--breathed heavily. I turned as I reached the door. His eyes opened. He smiled. That smile! And after I had gone I had yet to go back. Again to see him, to have his smile."
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1161
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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