WorksheetsWalt Whitman Writing
Total questions: 28
Worksheet time: 14mins
Whitman hopes to live his life in a state of total awareness until he
dies
retires
marries
graduates
The use of the word "singing" in "I Hear America Singing" is an example of
repetend
repetition
anaphora
refrain
Instead of rhythm and rhyme, what did Whitman use that would make his poems more memorable?
Correct punctuation
Personification
Onomatopoeia
Repetition
Walt Whitman's lifetime masterpiece of writing was titled________________.
Civil War
A Tale of Two Cities
A Collection of Poetry and Prose
Leaves of Grass
What might grass symbolize in "Song of Myself"?
Cycles of Nature
Individual Lives
Beauty and Art
Memories of Childhood
What is the most accurate conclusion that readers can draw from these lines in the selection from “Song of Myself”?
I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.
Whitman believes that he is an epic hero
Whitman views humanity as an epic hero
Whitman has a great appreciation for science
Whitman thinks that he writes superior poetry
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
Consider the details in the selection from “Song of Myself,” in “I Hear America Singing,” and in “On the Beach at Night Alone.” 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 tradition
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.
What is the best interpretation of this excerpt from “Song of Myself”?
These are really the thoughts of all men in all ages and lands, they are not original with me, / If they are not yours as much as mine they are nothing, or next to nothing….
Whitman admits that he has borrowed poetic ideas from writers of the past.
Whitman thinks that his poetry is valuable only if his readers agree with him.
Whitman believes that his observations are, in some sense, universally shared.
Whitman predicts that people who read his poetry in the future will appreciate it.
Which statement best explains why “On the Beach at Night Alone” can be said to have an epic theme?
It expresses a belief in a connection among all people
It represents an image of Earth's place in the universe
It refers to various heroes of ancient literature
It explores the speaker's private reflections
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
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”)
