What Is the Grass: Walt Whitman in My Life by Mark Doty

Walt Whitman’s poetry has been inspiring readers and writers for over a century now. His writing has inspired, cultivated and entertained audiences around the world. But what makes his writing so special? Well, in his memoir, What Is the Grass: Walt Whitman in My Life, author Mark Doty captures his own journey through life and explores his lifelong passion for Whitman’s work.

Doty first introduces readers to his relationship with Walt Whitman beginning in late 1970s. Early on, Doty was just another admirer of Whitman’s who stumbled upon Leaves of Grass and the associated articles he had been published in surprise and delight. In time, Doty would explore the rest of Whitman’s writing, taking special interest in the complex and intricate details of his oeuvre.

What Is the Grass looks at Walt Whitman in a number of different ways that show both the beauty and the burden of the poet and his written works. For instance, Doty examines how Whitman lived in a time of great and profound change, both in the United States and the world. During this period, the industrial revolution and the growth of the nation were leading to the rapid development of a nation threatened by civil war and political turmoil. Whitman’s response, Doty posits, was to write.

Using specific passages and poems from Whitman’s works, Doty reveals a recurring theme of ‘grass’ - of Nature's generative powers, of the individual's special relationship to the grass, and of Whitman's belief in the ultimate power of Nature and art. By digging deeper into the poet’s work, What Is the Grass offers a unique way to understand Whitman and his life.

Throughout the memoir, Doty reflects on how Whitman changed his life and how that artist’s words can still do so today. In fact, Doty's relationship with Whitman has grown since the book’s original publication in 1994; by now, the author has successfully captured the essence of the poet through careful study and reflection, ultimately embodying his subject.

Ultimately, What Is the Grass: Walt Whitman in My Life is an insightful and touching tribute to one of the most renowned and celebrated poets of the 19th century, as well as a poignant appreciation of the role that art and literature can play in self-discovery and growth. It is an essential read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and gain a greater understanding of the impact of great literature on the human spirit.