Selected Critiques of Whitman's Poetry

Author: Hu Shanlin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-01
Features: This book offers an "appreciation" of Whitman, with the guiding principle of achieving two objectives: First, to remain faithful to the original work, striving to accurately understand "Whitman in the text" without forcing interpretations or making arbitrary claims; Second, to require the appreciator to fully immerse themselves in reading, experiencing, analyzing, and savoring the work, thereby capturing their own insights. This approach determines that the book's writing must start from the text, as well as from the author's era, society, and experiences, without resorting to tedious textual criticism. Instead, it emphasizes the emotional resonance and intellectual stimulation that arise during the reading process, as well as the sensory experiences and rational reflections inspired by the work. Our intention is to express how contemporary Chinese youth understand and engage with Whitman. We recognize that the significance of our work lies in bridging the gap between Whitman and the readers, guiding young people today toward Whitman and helping them embrace him. We believe that our approach is conducive to achieving this goal.