Leaving the Mother

Exploring the concept of motherhood, this book delves into its significance in each edition of Leaves of Grass, redefining it beyond biological terms. Utilizing Julia Kristeva's psychoanalytic theories, it presents the mother as a pivotal psychoanalytic figure influencing early development. The narrative highlights the suppression of the m/other by patriarchal structures, illustrating how this dynamic is woven throughout the evolution of Whitman's work. This analysis offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between motherhood and literary subject formation.