Song of Myself by Walt Whitman

"Song of Myself"



Walt Whitman


Presenter: Beatrice Ekesa

Poll

I fully understand Walt Whitman's poem, "Song of Myself"

• Yes

• No

• I am not sure

• I have never heard about that poem.

"Song of Myself" Section 1

​Read Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" Section 1 (p. 179)

Summary of "Song of Myself" section 1

The speaker celebrates himself and feels a connection with everyone, as he believes that he shares some similarities with others. He takes time to relax and appreciate nature, like watching grass grow. He mentions that his body and identity come from the land and air of his birthplace, and he is proud of his heritage. Now at thirty-seven years old and in good health, he wants to live fully until he dies. While he acknowledges beliefs and education, he chooses to embrace nature and its powerful energy without restrictions.

Multiple Choice

How does the author's choice of the word "celebrate" in the opening line contribute to the overall meaning of the poem?

• It indicates a somber tone.

• It suggests a joyful and self-affirming attitude.
  

•  It implies a sense of loss.

• It expresses confusion about identity.

Multiple Choice

What effect does the repetition of the phrase "born here" have on the reader's understanding of the speaker's identity?

• It creates a sense of detachment.

• It emphasizes a deep connection to the land and heritage.

• It suggests a transient lifestyle.

• 1. It indicates a lack of historical awareness.

Multiple Choice

In the line "I permit to speak at every hazard," what does the author's use of the word "hazard" suggest about the speaker's attitude toward self-expression?

• The speaker fears the consequences of speaking out.

• The speaker embraces the risks associated with expressing oneself.
  

• The speaker is indifferent to the opinions of others.

• 1. The speaker regrets their past choices.

"Song of Myself" Section 6

​Read "Song of Myself" Section 6

Summary of "Song of Myself" Section 6

The speaker says that a child asked him what grass is and showed it to him, but he didn't know how to answer. I thought grass represents hope and life, like a green flag or a special gift from God that reminds us of Him. The speaker wonders where all the people, both young and old, have gone, but he believes they are alive somewhere. He says that even the smallest plant show that life continues, and death is not the end. Everything keeps moving forward, and dying is not what we think; it’s actually a part of life that can be good.

Multiple Choice

What effect does the author's choice of the phrase "the flag of my disposition" have on the reader's understanding of grass in the context of the poem?

• It suggests that grass is a symbol of hope and identity.

• • It implies that grass has no real significance.

• It indicates that grass is a common, unremarkable object.

• • It shows that grass represents a burden.

Multiple Choice

How does the use of the word "uniform" in the phrase "uniform hieroglyphic" contribute to the overall meaning of the text?

• It emphasizes the diversity of life.

• It suggests that all people are the same regardless of race or background.

• • It implies that grass communicates a universal message.

• It indicates that grass has no meaning.

Multiple Choice

What is the significance of the author's statement, "And to die is different from what anyone supposed, and luckier," in terms of the poem's overall theme?

• It suggests that death brings an end to life.

• It reveals a belief in the continuity of life beyond death.

• It indicates that death is something to be feared.

• • It implies that life is more important than death.

Poll

I now understand Walt Whitman's poem, "Song of Myself."

• Yes

• Somehow

• No

• I have not read it yet.

Thank You!