Song of Myself

What does the speaker celebrate in the poem?

• Nature

• Himself

• Others

• The future

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.11

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Why does the speaker mention his age in the poem?

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.11

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.11

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.11

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.11

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.11

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9