What subject matter is central to Whitman's "Calamus" collection?

The central subject matter of Whitman's "Calamus" collection is love and friendship. This group of poems expresses the poet's exploration of deep emotional connections between individuals, particularly the bond between men. Whitman celebrates platonic love and the intimacy that can exist between friends, emphasizing a sense of unity and camaraderie.

Whitman's use of free verse in "Calamus" allows him to convey the fluidity and complexity of these relationships, breaking conventional boundaries of expression. The collection reflects a progressive view of love during a time when such themes were often repressed or stigmatized. This focus on love and friendship provides a foundational aspect of the collection, distinguishing it from other themes such as war, nature, or death, which are prevalent in different works by Whitman.

Understanding this theme is essential to appreciating the wider implications of Whitman's work regarding human connection and the celebration of emotional bonds.