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

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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

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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

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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

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

• Somber and reflective

• Celebratory and optimistic

• Cynical and critical

• Detached and neutral

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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