Walt Whitman And Si Mohand Ou M’hand

Abstract

The comparative study of Walt Whitman (1819-1902) and Si Mohand Ou M’hand (1845-1902) is significant for several reasons. Firstly, Whitman applies a new form of poetry in American literature that is free verse poetry without affixed beat or regular rhyme scheme. It is as if Whitman speaks to the reader. Si Mohand’s poetry is known as ‘Asfrou’, an oral poetry based on personal inspiration. Both are the ones to whom we listen to. Moreover, the quest for liberty by both poets can be seen as a universal analogy where the right to be ‘free’ is a natural human attitude. So, the Kabyle bard, as Si Ammar Ben Said Boulifa calls him: “Si Mohand Ou M’hand, le barde populaire de la Grande Kabylie” (1990:45) can only be compared to the American bard, Walt Whitman .