The Contemporaries

The difference of style is obvious between Whitman and his contemporaries. Systematic rhyme scheme is apparent in Elizabeth Oak Smiths poem "An Incident", in which she uses the standard English Sonnet format. Instead of fallowing a rhyme scheme or sonnet format Whitman's writing elegantly rebels against the system by creating its own rhythm guided by imagery and content, a style that creates its personalized form. Figurative language is common to most poems; animals and nature scenes are also present in most poems of the era. However, Whitman tells us about his oneness with nature, where as his contemporaries speak of their longing to be a part of it. It's as if Whitman's contemporaries are looking for answers but he already knows them. In this manner Whitman gives us a more enlightened view of existence.



 In addition, Smith kind of looks like a snob:

 

Walt Whitman kickin' it:

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, battle of the beards: