E3 | Whitman and Hughes - America Singing

What is the central theme of "I Hear America Singing"?

• The struggles of American workers

• The diversity and unity of the American workforce

• The hardships faced by immigrants

• The industrialization of America

In "I, Too", Hughes' speaker most likely represents:

• An individual celebrating personal achievement

• The collective voice of marginalized groups in America

• A historical figure advocating for economic growth

• An immigrant who recently arrived in America

The phrase "I hear America singing" in Whitman’s poem serves to:

• Illustrate the harmony among different workers contributing to society

• Clarify the historical struggles of early laborers

• Associate the American worker with European traditions

• Amplify the concerns of a modern industrial workforce

How does Hughes' use of repetition in the lines "I, too, sing America" and "I, too, am America" contribute to the poem’s meaning?

• It illustrates the speaker’s longing to be part of American society

• It emphasizes the speaker’s belief that America is divided

• It clarifies the idea that America will never change

• It amplifies resentment toward the dominant culture

The tone of "I Hear America Singing" can best be described as:

• Somber and reflective

• Celebratory and optimistic

• Cynical and critical

• Detached and neutral

How does the contrast in perspectives between Whitman’s and Hughes’ poems reflect different views of the American Dream?

• Whitman celebrates the ideal of American opportunity, while Hughes highlights the ongoing struggle for inclusion

• Both poets view the American Dream as unattainable for most people

• Hughes believes in the American Dream, while Whitman criticizes it

• Neither poem addresses the idea of opportunity in America

Which of the following best describes the role of mood in "I, Too"?

• The mood shifts from exclusion to empowerment, reinforcing the speaker’s confidence in change

• The mood remains hopeless, emphasizing the speaker’s frustration with inequality

• The mood is passive, reflecting the speaker’s acceptance of his fate

• The mood is celebratory throughout, showing the speaker’s contentment with his current status

The line “Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table” in "I, Too" implies:

• The speaker plans to leave America

• The speaker believes change is inevitable and equality will be achieved

• The speaker expects to remain an outsider forever

• The speaker will try to become wealthy to gain social acceptance

Which literary device does Whitman use in "I Hear America Singing" to reinforce unity and individuality at the same time?

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Cataloging (listing various workers and their roles)

• Hyperbole

How does Hughes' poem challenge the message of Whitman’s "I Hear America Singing"?

• Hughes suggests that not everyone is included in Whitman’s vision of America

• Hughes reinforces Whitman’s message by celebrating the same workers

• Hughes criticizes laborers for not standing up for their rights

• Hughes dismisses the idea that America can change