The Wound Dresser

by Walt Whitman

Overview

The Wound-Dresser is one of Walt Whitman's most popular poem, published in 1865 in his collection Drum Taps. It is a personal, graphic, and absolutely moving poem that centres on the theme of nursing the sick and dying and gives a realistic view of war and the unexciting side of what happens to the men who go to the fight it. This poem is extraordinary for its lack of extreme portrayals of pain and suffering. The poem features Whitman's experiences during the Civil War as a volunteer in Washington's hospitals. The Wound Dresser is then, a poem of the Civil War, a poem of our country's history, a poem of the poet's 'specimen interior', a poem based in Washington D.C., and a poem that reviews 'the narrow of the tragedy' that is war. It is a poem of remembering, of memory, of memory reviewed through dream. This is a remarkable collection of articles and letters about Walt Whitman's skills volunteering as a nurse in the Civil War. In the book, there is three articles. The articles tell about his time in the Civil War and many of his experiences with injured soldiers he met.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9791259716361
Publisher:	Greenbooks Editore
Publication date:	05/20/2021
Sold by:	StreetLib SRL
Format:	eBook
File size:	607 KB

About the Author

Walter "Walt" Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. A humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works.

Read an Excerpt

provost duty at Lancaster, but would not probably remain so very long — seem to be moving towards southeast Kentucky — had a good camp, and good times generally. Le Gendre is colonel — Gen. Ferrero has left the service — Col. Potter (now brig.-gen.) is in Cincinnati — Capt. Sims, etc., are all well. George describes Kentucky as a very fine country — says the people are about half and half, Secesh and Union. This is the longest letter I have yet received from George. Did he write you one about the same time ? Mother, I have not rec'd any word from home in over a week — the last letter I had from Mr. Lane was about twelve days ago, sending me $10 for the soldiers (five from Mr. Kirkwood and five from Mr. Conklin Brush). Mother dear, I should like to hear from Martha; I wish Jeff would write me about it. Has Andrew gone ? and how is your wrist and arm, mother ? We had some very hot weather here — I don't know what I should have done without the thin grey coat you sent — you don't know how good it does, and looks too ; I wore it three days, and carried a fan and an umbrella (quite a Japanee) — most everybody here carries an umbrella, on account of the sun. Yesterday and to-day however have been quite cool, east wind. Mother, the shirts were a real godsend, they do first rate; I like the fancy marseilles collar and wristbands. Mother, how are you getting along — I suppose just the same as ever. I suppose Jess and Ed are just the same as ever. Whenyou write, you tell me all about everything, and the Browns, and the neighborhood generally. Mother, is George's trunk home and of no use there ? I wish I had it here, as I must have atrunk—but do not wish you to send until I send you word. I suppose my letter never appeared in the Eagle; well, I shall send them no more, as I think like...