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Above all previous lands, a great original literature is surely to become the justification and reliance, (in some respects the sole reliance,) [sic] of American democracy.
-Walt Whitman, "Democratic Vistas"
In 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, Walt Whitman examined democracy's future and sustainability in his essay "Democratic Vistas." He had faith that democracy would flourish if balance developed between the newly merged nation and the individual (9). As he reflected on how to achieve this balance, he argued that a "democratic America" needed "national, original archetypes in literature" (31) and a "vision for the future, more than the past" (36). He believed that this literature would produce "its own democratic spirit" and "American aroma" (36). Essentially, Whitman viewed literature as the soul and heart of American democracy (37).
As English teachers, we continually seek ways to offer students quality texts to support the development of individual voices within the context of a dynamic, democratic culture. In our high school, we suggest students read a combination of free choices of literature and selected classics. We encourage students to explore various cultural archetypes and universal themes with less emphasis on establishing a strong common thread in our democracy. Whitman contended that "Democratic literature may well bring forth" a balance between "individuals and society" ("Democratic Vistas" 43). How do we prepare students to become active participants with confident voices in a constantly changing nation? What kind of literacy experiences can we create? By using blogs as a forum, promoting choice, and presenting literature that changed a nation, teachers can help students develop their individual voices in a democratic community.
In the spirit of Whitman's essay, I began to think about how I could use American literature to address the concept of individuality in a democratic society. The approach became apparent when I learned about the Library of Congress' recently published list of Books That Shaped America (http://www. loc.gov/bookfest/books-that-shaped-america/). I saw these 88 books, spanning fiction and nonfiction, as a basis for fostering student choice and individual expression while sharing the common experience of books that influenced our culture.
Creating the Approach
To facilitate the plan with two classes of honors sophomores (any student who wants a challenge can opt into this course), I...