Song of Myself

What does the speaker celebrate in the poem?

• Nature

• Himself

• Others

• The future

What does the speaker mean by 'every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you'?

• We all share the same elements.

• Ownership is important.

• Atoms are valuable.

• We are different.

What does the speaker decide about 'creeds and schools'?

• They are useless.

• They should be forgotten.

• They are temporarily set aside.

• They are to be followed strictly.

Why does the speaker mention his age in the poem?

How does the speaker's view of nature contribute to the overall theme of the poem?

What might grass symbolize in "Song of Myself"?

• All of eternity

• Life, hope, and the cyclical nature of things

• Art and all things crafted/created

• Memories, beautiful and sad

Song of Myself is a collection of 52 parts, which can be viewed as individual poems. What BROAD view do you think Whitman is trying to represent? Pick the best answer.

• The rise and fall of America

• The birth and death of a single life

• The varied landscapes of the human mind

• The broad sweep of American life

In section 1, what is Whitman's intention when he asks for "Creeds and schools in abeyance?"

• Expressing that he doesn't believe in education

• Explaining to the reader that he learned nothing in his formal education

• That things he's been taught will be set aside for a moment, to allow for new learning, ideas, and observations

• Religion and schools are dangerous and poor sources for the kind of information that makes life meaningful

Which line from Section 1 of “Song of Myself,” best supports the following claim: Whitman hopes to continue his exploration and celebration for as long as he lives.

• I celebrate myself, and sing myself, and what I assume you shall assume

• I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin, / Hoping to cease not till death.

• I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.

What is the best interpretation of this excerpt from "Song of Myself"?

• The speaker mourns his individuality, wishing that he could be one with those around him and not experience any separation.

• The speaker celebrates his individuality and rejects the idea that even a single atom, or part, of himself belongs to anyone else.

• The speaker celebrates his individuality, while also acknowledging that he is deeply interconnected with nature and the members of society around him.