The definition of poetry, instead of becoming more selective and exact, has become a much broader and open classification of literature. From its beginnings in romantic Puritan literature to its more modernist function in today's society, poetry has become a means of blending the psychological side of the human intellect with the emotional side of human intuition and curiosity. Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman were two of the premier poets of the late 19th century. Unlike Walt, Emily enjoyed writing at home, she was a more isolated writer who liked to look out the window for inspiration. Walt, on the other hand, loved to travel. He found his inspiration in nature and the diversity of thriving cultures around the world. Although these writers drew on two different methods, their poems have distinct similarities in theme, imagery, and main ideas. Take for example Walt's work "O Captain, My Captain", when he says: "My captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still, my father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will” (Whitman, line 14). In this poem he expresses his feelings about the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln's death. Death appears to be common in late 19th century poetry, probably because of its "cause and effect" relationship with sadness. Dickinson also enjoys writing about the effect of death on the human psyche. This can be seen in his poem "Because I Couldn't Stop to Die." In the first stanza of her poem, she says, “Because I could not stop to die – he kindly stopped for me –” (Dickinson, line 1). This quote shows how Emily uses personification to show Death as a solemn human being who cannot be convinced. Like Whitman, Emily sees no real positive outcome from death. Both poets exemplify...... middle of paper ......h of the writing styles of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, poetry would never be where it is today.Work CitedDickinson , Emily. “Because I couldn’t stop to die.” Poets.org. Academy of American Poets, 7 20 2013. Web. August 3, 2013. Dickinson, Emily. “God gave every bird a loaf of bread” and Web. February 2, 2014. Dickinson, Emily. “Success is considered the sweetest.” Bartleby.com. Bartleby.com, 7 20 2013. Web. August 3, 2013. .Whitman, Walt. “I hear America singing.” Poets.org. Academy of American Poets, 8 10 2013.Web. August 3, 2013. .Whitman, Walt. “Leaves of Grass” and Web. February 2, 2014. Whitman, Walt. “O Captain, My Captain.” Poets.org. Academy of American Poets, 7 20 2013.Web. August 3 2013. .