Arguably the two most significant American poets of the nineteenth century — and in the nation’s literary tradition more generally — Walt Whitman (1819-1892) and Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) will be the focus of Mark Schenker’s two session program this spring.
These two authors present a study in contrast in both their writing and their lives. Whitman, as a poet, a personality, and a public figure, was large and energetic, optimistic, and often self-promoting; there is an aptness in his referring to himself as “Walt Whitman, American.”
Emily Dickinson, no less an embodiment of her nation and her time period, published in her lifetime fewer than a dozen of the nearly 1,800 poems she wrote. She lived in Amherst, MA as a mere recluse. She rarely traveled, never married, and was not known as a writer in her 56-year lifetime. She maintained contact with a small number of friends through correspondence.
Whitman spent his childhood years in Brooklyn, NY, later worked as a printer, journalist, teacher, and government clerk. He volunteered as a nurse during the Civil War and wrote poetry about that experience and the Civil War more generally. He published four poems about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Dickinson’s reflections on the War were given only in her letters.
For over 30 years Mark Schenker has led in-person and more recently online sessions on literature, film, and culture throughout Connecticut: in libraries and museums, senior living residences and cultural centers, and private homes. Educational and entertaining, his discussions convey information about a particular author and work in some depth while also providing perspectives on the broader context of history and culture.
Join us in April and May for Mark’s two-part, two poet program. These programs are free and open to all.
*Handouts for each program will be available to pick up at the Reference Desk.
Please register for each program separately.
Register for Walt Whitman: Tuesday, April 28th at 4pm