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How did Walt Whitman portray the common person in his poetry?

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“Walt Whitman, an American, one of the roughs, a kosmos” — Walt Whitman American poet Walt Whitman, photograph by Mathew Brady.

Walt Whitman portrayed the common person by championing the individual and celebrating the inherent dignity of every citizen within a democratic society. Rather than adhering to traditional, formal poetic structures, he utilized a "rough-hewn" and natural style to reflect the spirit of America, often identifying himself with the "roughs" and ruggedness of everyday life.123

In his seminal work, Leaves of Grass, Whitman presented a poetic "I" that asserted a mythical strength and vitality, suggesting that every atom belonging to him equally belonged to his readers. By adopting a persona that was both strong and sentimental, he sought to transcend social conventions and encourage individuals to realize their own integrity and potential. His work served as a powerful symbol of American democracy, emphasizing a shared human experience and a belief in the spiritual and heroic growth of the United States. Through his innovative use of free verse, he elevated the lives of ordinary people, treating their experiences as worthy of celebration and poetic expression.213