Walt Whitman

What is the most accurate conclusion that readers can draw from these lines in the selection from "Song of Myself"?

I celebrate myself, and sing myself,

And what I assume you shall assume,

For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.

• Whitman believes that he is an epic hero.

• Whitman views humanity as an epic hero.

• Whitman has a great appreciation for science.

• Whitman thinks that he writes superior poetry.

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What is the “singing” that the speaker hears in "I Hear America Singing"?

• the language of different ethnic groups in the American melting pot

• the songs from foreign lands brought to America by immigrants

• the individuality of Americans in various walks of life

• the poetry of Whitman and other American poets

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What group of workers does Whitman focus on in "I Hear America Singing"?

• office clerks

• housewives

• musicians

• laborers

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Consider the details in the selection from “Song of Myself,” in “I Hear America Singing,” and in “On the Beach at Night Alone.” What can you infer about Whitman’s attitude toward other people? Choose two options.

• He greatly appreciates other people.

• He likes to control the people around him.

• He thinks that most people are very foolish.

• He does not enjoy being around other people.

• He believes that he has a connection to other people.

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In the preface to the 1855 edition of Leaves of Grass, Whitman states, "The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem." What does he cite to support his opinion?

• the rhythmic speech patterns of Americans

• Americans' respect for literary traditions

• his own popularity as an American poet

• the vitality and diversity of Americans

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Based on the following passage from the preface to the 1855 edition of Leaves of Grass, identify what is most clearly suggested about Whitman's attitude toward the past.

America does not repel the past or what it has produced under its forms or amid other politics or the idea of castes or the old religions … accepts the lesson with calmness … is not so impatient as has been supposed that the slough still sticks to opinions and manners and literature while the life which served its requirements has passed into the new life of the new forms….

• Whitman recognizes that Americans learn from the past while making a new way of life.

• Whitman thinks that Americans should include a study of the past in their education.

• Whitman wishes that Americans would give more honor to traditions of the past.

• Whitman believes that Americans have nothing to learn from the past.

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What does the speaker in the selection from "Song of Myself" mean when he says that he holds "Creeds and schools in abeyance"?

• He believes in the value of religious education.

• He has temporarily let go of traditional teachings.

• He is opposed to any type of formal education.

• He thinks that Americans of all creeds should attend school.

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What is the best interpretation of this excerpt from “Song of Myself"?

These are really the thoughts of all men in all ages and lands, they are not original with me, /

If they are not yours as much as mine they are nothing, or next to nothing….

• Whitman admits that he has borrowed poetic ideas from writers of the past.

• Whitman thinks that his poetry is valuable only if his readers agree with him.

• Whitman believes that his observations are, in some sense, universally shared.

• Whitman predicts that people who read his poetry in the future will appreciate it.

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Which of America’s qualities does Whitman most stress in “America”?

• its extravagance

• its permanence

• its favoritism

• its autonomy

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Which passage from the selections is the strongest example of anaphora?

• In the history of the earth hitherto the largest and most stirring appear tame and orderly to their ampler largeness and stir. (from the preface to the 1855 edition of Leaves of Grass)

• A vast similitude interlocks all, / All spheres, grown, ungrown, small, large, suns, moons, planets, / All distances of place however wide. . . . (from "On the Beach at Night Alone")

• I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin, / Hoping to cease not till death. (from "Song of Myself")

• I guess it must be the flag of my disposition, out of hopeful green stuff woven. (from "Song of Myself")

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