Meaning: This quote is a tribute to the renowned American poet Walt Whitman and is attributed to David Lodge, an acclaimed British author known for his novels that blend literary and academic themes. The quote encapsulates the groundbreaking nature of Whitman's poetry and the innovative use of language that characterized his work.

Walt Whitman (1819-1892) is considered one of the most influential poets in American literary history. His most famous work, "Leaves of Grass," is a collection of poems that underwent multiple revisions and expansions throughout Whitman's life. What set Whitman apart from his contemporaries and predecessors was his departure from traditional poetic forms and his embrace of free verse, a style that allowed him to express his ideas and emotions with unprecedented freedom and spontaneity.

The quote by David Lodge captures the essence of Whitman's literary contribution by highlighting his ability to combine words in novel and unexpected ways. It suggests that Whitman's poetry introduced combinations of words that had never before appeared together, except within the confines of a dictionary. This underscores the originality and inventiveness of Whitman's language, as well as his willingness to push the boundaries of conventional expression.

Lodge's choice of words in this quote reflects his admiration for Whitman's linguistic daring and the impact it had on the world of literature. By emphasizing the juxtaposition of words that were previously unfamiliar when placed together, Lodge pays homage to Whitman's role as a linguistic trailblazer. Whitman's willingness to break free from the constraints of traditional poetic language and create new combinations of words reflects his commitment to capturing the expansive and diverse American experience in his writing.

Furthermore, the quote by Lodge also draws attention to the idea that Whitman's work defied the limitations of the dictionary itself. Rather than being confined to established definitions and word pairings, Whitman's poetry transcended linguistic boundaries and ventured into uncharted territory. This notion speaks to the transformative power of Whitman's language, which not only expanded the possibilities of poetic expression but also challenged the very structure of language itself.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to David Lodge eloquently encapsulates the groundbreaking nature of Walt Whitman's poetry and the profound impact it had on the world of literature. Through his innovative use of language and the fearless exploration of new word combinations, Whitman redefined the possibilities of poetic expression and left an indelible mark on the evolution of literary language. Lodge's tribute serves as a reminder of Whitman's enduring legacy and his enduring influence on the art of poetry.