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In this textbook there are six examples of Walt Whitman’s work. Considered one of the most important and influential writers in history, Whitman is the primary inspiration for such writers as Ralph Waldo Emerson and many others after him. Whitman led a very controversial life. Walt Whitman was alive during a time when homosexuality was only considered an act that heterosexual men took part in on occasion. He was one of the first public figures to openly express his homosexuality in an unashamed and proud way. This led to a lifetime of obstacles which he had to overcome to gain widespread acceptance to both the public and to critics. Whitman’s work often made mention of his many homosexual experiences and feelings. Often, people who were reading or interpreting his work simply ignored any gay references and dealt with them as if they were heterosexual. This made it much easier for the majority of people in the world to accept Walt’s work. Throughout his life