Tin Man

Justa as Tin Man relies heavily upon strategic references to iconic works of art, it also makes powerful use of the connotations surrounding the poetry and life of Walt Whitman, focusing particularly upon his book, Leaves of Grass (1855). This work is referenced throughout the novel and embodies many of the author’s key themes, as Walt Whitman, like Michael and Ellis, is now widely believed to have been a gay man in an intolerant world, forced to deal with the weight of society’s censure. Within this context, Leaves of Grass stands as a groundbreaking collection of poetry that openly explores the concepts of freedom and sexuality, advancing the notion that sex itself is synonymous with innocence and the natural world. As such, Whitman uses images of sex in his work to explore the connected ideals of nature and freedom, advocating for a more accepting, tolerant society. These messages resonate deeply with Ellis and Michael in the novel, given their own struggles for acceptance in a world that is not designed to acknowledge their natural expression of love. Whitman’s willingness to discuss such matters earned widespread criticism at the time Leaves of Grass was published, and Winman draws upon this literary context in her own novel when both Ellis and Michael receive criticism and cruelty from their own fathers when exhibiting their true emotions or their sexuality.

Leaves of Grass includes many different poems, the most famous of which is “O Captain! My Captain!” Whitman produced this poem in the aftermath of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination after the Civil War, and the piece is designed to capture the pain of a nation just emerging from a tragic and bloody war; the effusive tone of the verses is meant to express the gratitude toward the president that saw them through it, as well as the death of that iconic figure. In the poem, Whitman describes Lincoln as the fallen captain of a ship that has just completed an arduous voyage. Michael’s emphasis on this poem connects to the novel’s examination of The Search for Identity and Belonging as he looks for love and guidance in others. Michael is devoted to Dora, who becomes a mother to him, and his love for Ellis follows him throughout his life. Even though he may be safe like the ship, he feels lost without Ellis and Dora, unsure of who he is or what he should do.