Stephen Vincent Benét is recognized as a significant figure in American literature, renowned for both his poetry and short stories. Though he was not inherently original, Benét's works drew from American history and folklore, crafting a unique blend of narrative and verse that resonated with readers. His approach, rooted in the traditions and tales of the United States, made him a poet of the people in a way that Walt Whitman had only envisioned for himself.

Whitman's Ideals and Benét's Realization

Walt Whitman, a prominent nineteenth-century poet, aspired to be the national poet of the United States, a voice that would echo the spirit and sentiments of the American people. While Whitman believed himself to be the poet of the masses, it was Stephen Vincent Benét who truly embodied this role. Benét's poetry, though derived from a more literary and academic tradition, was embraced by the public, achieving a popularity that Whitman had never attained.

Benét effectively utilized American legends, folktales, songs, and historical narratives, excelling in epic and narrative poetic forms, especially the folk ballad. However, his reliance on existing stories and techniques was both a strength and a weakness. Benét drew inspiration from poets like Robert Browning and Edwin Arlington Robinson, and as Donald Heiney noted, Benét never developed a distinctly unique stylistic quality. Despite this, his work, particularly "John Brown’s Body," remains significant for its vivid portrayal of American folklore and history.

"John Brown's Body" and Its Unifying Elements

"John Brown’s Body," a book-length narrative poem, cemented Benét's place in American literature upon its publication in 1928. Though some critics argued that the poem suffered from a lack of unity, Parry Stroud highlighted its cohesive elements, including character connections, symbolism, and the purposeful use of varied meters. The poem is framed around the American Civil War, beginning with John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry and concluding just after Lincoln’s assassination. Benét's intention was not to write a formal history but to express the impact of the war on diverse Americans from different regions.

The poem is unified by its characters, including historical figure John Brown and fictional representations of various American regions and classes. For instance, Jack Ellyat from Connecticut and Clay Wingate from Georgia depict the Union and Confederate perspectives, respectively. The narrative resolves through the fates of these characters, reflecting the broader American experience during the Civil War.

Benét's poetic technique involves three primary meters—traditional blank verse, heroic couplets, and his "long rough line"—alongside rhythmic prose and lyrics. This variety in rhythm and form allowed Benét to capture the diverse cultural elements of America, such as the Southern culture's music and dance, thus presenting a rich tapestry of American life during the war.

Benét's Exploration of American History Through Fiction

Beyond poetry, Benét mastered the art of short fiction, infusing his stories with American history and folklore. His most famous short story, "The Devil and Daniel Webster," published in 1936, gained instant acclaim. The story's success stemmed from its deep roots in American cultural and historical consciousness, featuring Daniel Webster as a folk hero who confronts the Devil himself. The narrative explores themes of morality, justice, and the quintessential American spirit.

Benét’s short stories frequently draw from historical contexts, with characters and narratives embodying specific periods in American history. "Freedom’s a Hard-Bought Thing," for example, showcases a plantation slave's journey to freedom, rich with biblical allusions and realistic dialects. The story reflects the challenges and resilience of African Americans in their quest for liberty, earning Benét the O. Henry Memorial Award in 1940.

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