휘트먼의 작품에 나타난 북미 인디언

North American Indians in Whitman"s Works

  This paper attempts to analyze Whitman"s view on the North American Indians in three major aspects. First, Whitman"s image of self is quite similar to that of the Native American in that both are characterized as "the friendly and flowing savage(s)" who are lawless and simple. Second, Whitman shows a great interest in the Indian way of naming places which, he believes, embodies his poetic theory: "A perfect writer uses things." Third, Whitman expresses his heart-felt love and sympathy to the Indian chiefs such as Yonnondio and Oseola who maintained and revealed their human dignity even in the face death. Although it is also true that Whitman at times does not conceal his view on the fate of the Indians as a natural course overwhelmed by strong expansionism, he still asserts that the new world citizens should follow the Indian world view as in "Song of the Redwood-Tree." Whitman"s interest towards the North American Indians is significant in that the Indians‘ modes of living have affected Whitman in various ways. Although some critics have argued that Whitman shows indifference or even loathe towards the Indians, Whitman not only shows respect and affection, but also strong sympathy for the fading Indians.