The World Expanding and Moving Together Simultaneously in 19th-Century America

Parallels in Dickinson's and Whitman's Poetry and Lives

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2010 , 19 Pages , Grade: 1,3

Didactics for the subject English - Literature, Works

Die Welt im Neunzehnten Jahrhundert befindet sich im Wandel - vor allem auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent. Die Erschließung neuer Gefilde durch Siedler lässt die Welt größer werden, während die Industrialisierung, ein expandierendes Wissen der Menschheit sowie vor allem neue Methoden der Kommunikation ein symbolisches Zusammenrücken der Welt bewirken.
Es ist die Zeit von Emily Dickinson und Walt Whitman - zwei amerikanischen Dichtern wie sie auf den ersten Blick nicht unterschiedlicher sein könnten. Doch es eint sie nicht nur, dass beide als typische amerikanische Poeten des neunzehnten Jahrhunderts bezeichnet werden können. Diese literarische Analyse im Kontext der sich wandelnden Räumlichkeit der Welt zeigt, dass sowohl bei Dickinson als auch bei Whitman das Nahe und das Ferne eine große Rolle spielen - und zwar nicht nur in den Gedichten, sondern auch in den konträren Lebenswegen der beiden Dichter. Ein vergleichender Blick auf die Wahrnehmung von Räumlichkeit in der Dichtung der "alten Welt" rundet die Analyse ab.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• Introduction
• Discovering the „New World“ in the 19th century – “getting bigger”
• Walt Whitman's participation in discovering the world
• Territorial expansion in Whitman's poetry
• The world "getting smaller" by communication and transportation
• Spatiality in Emily Dickinson's life
• Dickinson's poetry as poetry of the small world
• Perception of the American spatiality in German poetry
• Conclusion
• Works cited

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This thesis aims to explore the paradoxical development of spatiality in 19th-century America, where the world was simultaneously getting bigger and smaller. It examines how this duality is reflected in the lives and poetry of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, two prominent American poets of the era. The thesis will analyze their personal connections to the American spatiality movements and how these connections are manifested in their poetry.

• The expansion of the United States' territory in the 19th century
• The impact of industrialization and technological advancements on communication and transportation
• The contrasting perspectives of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman on the changing American landscape
• The influence of American spatiality on the poetry of both Dickinson and Whitman
• The German perception of the "New World's" movement in 19th-century German poetry

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The introduction sets the stage for the thesis by outlining the significant changes that occurred in the 19th century, particularly in America. It highlights the paradoxical development of spatiality, where the world was simultaneously expanding and shrinking due to industrialization and technological advancements. The introduction also introduces Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman as two prominent American poets who embody this duality in their lives and poetry.

Chapter 2 delves into the historical context of the "New World" in the 19th century, focusing on the expansion of the United States' territory. It examines the motivations behind this expansion, including political ambitions, economic opportunities, and the adventurous spirit of American settlers. The chapter highlights key events such as the Louisiana Purchase, the Mexican-American War, and the Lewis and Clark expedition, which contributed to the physical and political expansion of the United States.

Chapter 3 explores Walt Whitman's personal connection to the American spatiality movements. It examines his life experiences, including his travels across the United States and his involvement in the Civil War, which shaped his understanding of the vastness and diversity of the American landscape. The chapter also analyzes Whitman's poetry, highlighting his celebration of the American spirit, his embrace of the individual, and his vision of a unified nation.

Chapter 4 delves into the themes of territorial expansion and westward movement in Whitman's poetry. It analyzes specific poems that reflect his fascination with the American landscape, his appreciation for the pioneers and settlers, and his belief in the potential of the American nation. The chapter explores how Whitman's poetry captures the spirit of exploration, adventure, and the boundless possibilities of the American West.

Chapter 5 examines the impact of communication and transportation on the perception of spatiality in the 19th century. It discusses the development of new technologies, such as the telegraph, the railroad, and the steamship, which facilitated faster and more efficient communication and travel. The chapter explores how these advancements contributed to the shrinking of the world, connecting people and places in ways that were previously unimaginable.

Chapter 6 focuses on Emily Dickinson's life and her relationship to the American spatiality movements. It examines her relatively secluded life in Amherst, Massachusetts, and her limited travels, which contrasted with the expansive spirit of the American West. The chapter also explores Dickinson's personal experiences, including her family life, her social circle, and her inner world, which shaped her unique perspective on the world.

Chapter 7 analyzes Dickinson's poetry, highlighting her focus on the small world of her immediate surroundings. It examines her themes of isolation, introspection, and the power of the individual experience. The chapter explores how Dickinson's poetry captures the beauty and complexity of the inner world, contrasting with the outward-looking perspective of Whitman.

Chapter 8 explores the German perception of the "New World's" movement in 19th-century German poetry. It examines how German poets viewed the expansion of the United States and the changing American landscape. The chapter analyzes specific poems that reflect German perspectives on American culture, society, and the American dream.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include 19th-century American spatiality, territorial expansion, communication and transportation, Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, American poetry, and German poetry. The text explores the paradoxical development of spatiality in America, where the world was simultaneously getting bigger and smaller due to industrialization and technological advancements. It examines how this duality is reflected in the lives and poetry of Dickinson and Whitman, two prominent American poets of the era. The text also explores the German perception of the "New World's" movement in 19th-century German poetry.

• College: University of Stuttgart (Institut für Literaturwissenschaft - Amerikanistik I)
• Course: Cultural Studies: Dickinson & Whitman: The Near and Far in 19th-Century American Geography
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Matthias Dorsch (Author)
• Publication Year: 2010
• Pages: 19
• Catalog Number: V181748
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656051916
• ISBN (Book): 9783656052043
• Language: English
• Tags: Dickinson, Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, 19th century, spatiality, near & far