Admire Quote by Virginia Woolf
“The English tourist in American literature wants above all things something different from what he has at home. For this reason the one American writer whom the English whole-heartedly admire is Walt Whitman. There, you will hear them say, is the real American undisguised. In the whole of English literature there is no figure which resembles his - among all our poetry none in the least comparable to Leaves of Grass”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The English Tourist in American Literature, 1928
English readers seek an authentic American voice, finding it uniquely in Whitman's work, which they view as the true American spirit.
In simple terms: English readers look for genuine American literature.
Key Takeaway
Recognize Whitman's unique contribution to literature.
Themes
literature
national identity
cultural exchange
authenticity
admiration
Mood
contemplative
analytical
Type
literary
critical
When to use this quote
- reading groups
- literary criticism
- cultural education
- translation work
Key Concepts
comparative literature
cultural studies
Americanism
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do readers gravitate toward Whitman?
- How does national identity shape literary taste?
A Different Perspective
Whitman's style may not represent all American experiences.
