Walt Whitman: Song of Myself

Which line from Section 1 of “Song of Myself,” best supports the following claim:

Whitman hopes to continue his celebration of self until his death.

• "I celebrate myself, and sing myself,"

• "I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin, / Hoping to cease not till death."

• "I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass."

In section 1 of "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman, the author shares a point of view that: he will let nature speak without check and with original energy.

• "I celebrate myself, and sing myself,/ And what I assume you shall assume,/ For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you."

• "I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard, / Nature without check with original energy."

• "I loafe and invite my soul,/ I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass."

In section 52 of "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman, the author's point of view is that there is no death, for we are reincarnated time and time again.

Which of the following phrases/pieces of evidence best supports the claim above?

• "I depart as air, I shake my white locks at the runaway sun,"

• "I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love,"

• "But I shall be good health to you nevertheless,"

The story of "Song of Myself" can be described as...

• The speaker wanders through the great cities of America and Europe, considering how human beings have created societies out of nothing.

• The speaker wanders through nature, observing and celebrating himself, plants, animals, and people in America.

• The speaker sits in his home, letting his mind wander back through the events of his childhood and his dreams for the future.

Evaluate how Whitman's use of nature imagery contributes to the overall theme of "Song of Myself."

• It highlights the beauty of the natural world as separate from humanity

• It underscores the connection between humans and the natural world

• It serves to contrast the chaos of human life with nature's order

• It diminishes the importance of human experiences

Analyze the use of imagery in the line "The smoke of my own breath, echoes, ripples, buzz’d whispers, love-root, silk-thread, crotch and vine" from "Song of Myself." What effect does this imagery have on the reader?

• It creates a sense of chaos and confusion

• It evokes a vivid sensory experience

• It highlights the simplicity of life

• It suggests a mechanical and lifeless world

What is the effect of Whitman's use of cataloging in "Song of Myself"?

• It creates a sense of order and hierarchy

• It emphasizes the diversity and abundance of life

• It highlights the monotony of existence

• It suggests a lack of creativity

What is the significance of the grass in Whitman's "Song of Myself"?

• It represents the insignificance of human life

• It symbolizes the cycle of life and death

• It indicates the beauty of the natural world

• It serves as a metaphor for human ambition

Answer explanation

In Whitman's "Song of Myself," grass symbolizes the cycle of life and death, representing renewal and continuity. It reflects how life emerges from the earth, dies, and returns, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things.

How does Whitman's use of free verse contribute to the theme of individuality in "Song of Myself"?

• By creating a structured and predictable rhythm

• By allowing for a spontaneous and personal expression

• By emphasizing the constraints of society

• By using rhyme to unify the poem

Identify the literary element used in the phrase "I am the mate and companion of people, all just as immortal and fathomless as myself."

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Personification