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Reading for Tue., Jan. 24: Whitman's preface to Leaves of Grass


Submitted by micklethwait on Thu, 01/19/2006 - 12:02pm.

Our first reading is not about Arab-American literature per se, but it is an important founding document of American literature as something distinct from British literature.

What are your thoughts on the national American character Whitman describes? What role does ethnicity play in it? What is the importance of poetry and literature in American culture?

Post your thoughts on the reading and pay attention to what your classmates. Our goal in this forum is to take part in a lively, civil, intelligent conversation with our peers.

‹ Post for Tue., Jan. 31: Poetry of Gibran and Naimy
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Tuesday Reading
Submitted by Alexis Shaheen on Tue, 01/24/2006 - 10:19am.

Whitman is describing a character who seems to be very powerful. But, I think the power comes from within himself, not from anything that is given to him. He knows how to live his life in a way that frees his soul. Whitman is describing someone that doesn't exist in America today.
I think the importance of poetry and literature in America today depends on who your talking to.

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Tuesday Reading
Submitted by gburjm on Tue, 01/24/2006 - 8:22am.

I think Whitman would be disappointed with the attitude of many Americans today. He argues that the common man, with his emphasis on living cheaply but freely, is what makes this country great. Yet today we do not aspire to live cheaply and apparently are not bothered by not living freely--we live lifestyles above our means and have a president who violates our Bill of Rights without outrage from the public.
I am not sure exactly what role poetry and literature play in American culture. In today's world, it seems lost in a vaccuum of soundbites and rap music.

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