Whitman & Hughes - Test

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

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

• office clerks

• housewives

• musicians

• laborers

Consider the details in the selection from in “I Hear America Singing.” 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.

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

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.

Which of the following elements of Whitman’s poetic structure is best represented in this passage from “America”?

All, all alike endear’d, grown, ungrown, young or old,

Strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich,

Perennial with the Earth, with Freedom, Law and Love.…

• exact rhyme

• fixed meter

• catalogue

• anaphora

The word multilevel contains the Latin combining form multi-. Choose the example that most clearly illustrates the meaning of multilevel. Base your answer on your knowledge of the combining form multi-.

• the height of a river during flood stage in spring

• the presidency or chairmanship of a major company

• a delicately balanced mobile hanging from a ceiling

• a terraced garden with stairs connecting various flat surfaces

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”)

Which line from the selections is the best example of Whitman’s use of sensory diction?

• I am enamor’d of growing outdoors…. (from “Song of Myself”)

• I stop somewhere waiting for you. (from “Song of Myself”)

• .… Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs (from “I Hear America Singing”)

• All nations, colors, barbarisms, civilizations, languages…. (from “On the Beach at Night Alone”)

PART A: Which statement best describes a main theme of Langston Hughes's "I, Too?"

• It is difficult to remain hopeful in the face of adversity.

• Social change happens through the efforts of many people.

• People often do not realize the depths of their own prejudices.

• Racial prejudice is disgraceful and will dissolve in favor of equality.