The Disenthralled Hosts of Freedom: Party Prophecy in the Antebellum Editions of Leaves of Grass

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Whitman produced three editions of Leaves of Grass before the Civil War, reflecting his deep commitment to anti-slavery. His unpublished work, The Eighteenth Presidency, reveals his engagement with the rhetoric of the emerging Republican Party. This study examines the connections between the pre-war Leaves of Grass and the party's prophetic vision, aiming to contextualize Whitman's work while highlighting aspects of party discourse that resonate with literary and cultural studies. Anti-slavery discourse sought to revive a complacent populace, creating a fictional narrative that encouraged individuals to reclaim their roles in the republic. This rejuvenation was both a cause and effect, empowering citizens to rescue the nation from the impending threat of slavery. The success of party discourse relied on transformative narratives that inspired collective action, making it an effective medium for articulating the anti-slavery movement's vision of national salvation. Whitman's celebration of the nation's potential is intertwined with this context, as he urges the people to reject subordination and seize control of their future. Through intricate reflections and addresses to Americans, Leaves of Grass evokes the dormant powers within the citizenry, fostering a belief that they can redeem themselves and, in turn, the nation.