In 1906, he became a socialist and one of the leaders of the I. W. W. During the Lawrence strikes he preached the doctrine of Syndicalism and was arrested on the charge of inciting to riot. He also organized relief work for the strikers.

On an Italian newspaper; editor of Il Proletario, a socialist paper. His first speech in English was made at the time of his trial and produced a powerful effect upon his audience. During his imprisonment, he studied English literature and wrote poems, of which the most famous is “The Walker.” His chief concern is with the submerged, and he writes from actual experience of having been “one of those who sleep in the park.”

Suggestions for Reading

1. What are the main features of the social creed at the root of Giovannitti’s poetry?

2. Is he a poet or a propagandist? Test his sincerity; his passion; his truth to experience.

3. What are his limitations as thinker and as poet?

4. Compare and contrast his work with Whitman’s in ideas and in form.

5. Do you find marks of greatness in him?

Bibliography