Guthrie and Whitman

Is there a distinct relationship between art and politics?

Yes, there is a relationship between art and politics.

How do Whitman and Guthrie convey this relationship and what role do you think they believe the artist has in politics?

In Whitman's case, art creates culture and culture creates art. His poems were meant to uplift the common man, revealing certain social injustices and the limiting and oppressive practices of the elite. Guthrie as well, uses art to reveal the ironies of American life.

How do they each address/promote the idea of equality amongst American people?

Guthrie uses folk music, music of the people, to satirize the land. "This land was made for you and me" is the name of the song and is often repeated throughout, however, one can imagine as this was performed during the Great Depression that there was a caustic sense of humor in the lyrics. The land does not belong to "you and me".

Whitman uses poetry, as mentioned earlier, to uplift the common man and to equalize him with those deemed "superior" by society.

“Why what have you thought of yourself?
Is it you then that thought yourself less?
Is it that you thought the President greater than you?
or the rich better off than you?
or the educated wiser than you?"

How does Guthrie's approach to the turmoil of his time, and his attitude toward working-class people, compare to Whitman's?

-Both are putting emphasis and importance on the working and laboring class.

As a medium for inspiration and organization, how does music compare to poetry?

-Poetry is aimed at the literate who actually has time to go about reading and analyzing poetry. Music is for everyone. You don't need to read or be well edcuated to enjoy music.

How strong is the legacy of such artists today?
-Both are strong. I recall having to learn and sing  "This Land is Your Land" in elementary school. Though I believe, both of them are often misinterpreted. Guthrie's song is often accused of exactly the opposite message he is trying to portray and Whitman is often labelled a transcendentalist who writes a lot of pretty words.