"O Me! O Life!" Overview

What specific detail in the poem emphasizes Whitman’s theme of human struggle?

• What good amid these, O me, O life?

• That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.

• Faithless and foolish dreams.

• The cities filled with the foolish.

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CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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How does Whitman’s use of repetition in “O me! O life!” affect the poem?

• It creates a sense of urgency and emotional intensity.

• It confuses the reader about his main point.

• It highlights his distrust of humanity.

• It distracts from the poem's theme.

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CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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Which phrase contributes most to the theme of hope in the poem?

• The questions of these recurring.

• The powerful play goes on.

• The empty and useless years.

• Faithless and foolish dreams.

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What are the two main themes Whitman explores in the poem?

• Despair and hope.

• Nature and industrialization.

• Chaos and order.

• Love and betrayal.

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How do the themes of despair and hope interact in the poem?

• Despair completely outweighs hope, leading to a pessimistic tone.

• Hope emerges as a resolution to despair, offering purpose to life.

• The poem remains focused only on despair, with no hint of hope.

• Hope and despair are treated as equally strong themes without resolution.

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How does Whitman’s exploration of despair contrast with his exploration of hope?

• Despair is addressed directly, while hope is implied as an answer.

• Despair is exaggerated, while hope is dismissed as unrealistic.

• Hope is central to the poem, while despair is avoided.

• Hope and despair are presented as equally unimportant.

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CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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Which of the following best summarizes "O Me! O Life!"?

• Life is meaningless, and Whitman provides no resolution.

• Whitman reflects on human flaws but finds meaning in individual contributions.

• The poem is about how nature provides all the answers to life’s questions.

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CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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What is a key idea that must be included in a summary of the poem?

• The human tendency toward hopefulness.

• The importance of contributing to life's "powerful play."

• The inevitable destruction of humanity.

• The superiority of some people over others.

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What is the tone of the poem "O Me! O Life!" and how does it shift throughout?

• It begins with a hopeful tone and shifts to one of despair.

• It begins with a despairing tone and shifts to one of hope and resolve.

• The tone remains consistently celebratory throughout.

• The tone is critical and does not shift.

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CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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What claim does Whitman make about the purpose of life?

• Life’s purpose is to find perfection in others.

• Life’s purpose lies in contributing to the ongoing story of humanity.

• Life has no purpose and is meaningless.

• Life’s purpose is to overcome foolishness.

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