Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself"

Which of the following statements best descrives the effect of the long lines in "Song of Myself"?

They remind the reader of the speaker's liberty and self-confidence.

Which statement best describes the way the sections in the excerpt from "Song of Myself" are constructed?

They represent the order of events in a long narrative.

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself." I loafe and invite my soul, I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass. How do these lines reflect the poet's general style?

They show the poem's relaxed, candid tone.

How do the images of traveling in part 46 of "Song of Myself" contribute to the poem's theme?

They suggest expansiveness, or extending one's reach outward.

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself." You will hardly know who I am or what I mean, But I shall be good health to you nevertheless, And filter and fibre your blood. Why does Whitman use such a simple phrase as "who I am or what I mean"?

He wants to communicate directly with readers.

The sections of "Song of Myself" approach one subject from several different angles. How does this technique reflect the main theme of the poem?

It corresponds to the idea that the self is all-encompassing.

Read the line from "Song of Myself." For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you. What is the effect of the word "atom" in this line and later in the poem?

It emphasizes the narrator's belief that every parcel of the Earth belongs to everyone.

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself." I know I have the best of time and space, and was never measured and never will be measured. How does this line support the theme of the poem?

It reflects Whitman's ideas about the capacity of the human spirit.

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself." I tramp a perpetual journey, (come listen all!) How does the word "tramp" affect the tone of this line?

It suggests the determination of the speaker.

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself." I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable, I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world. Which statement best describes how these lines reflect the general structure of the poem?

Just as the poem has a loose, open structure, these lines display personal freedom.

Read the quotation 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. Which statement best explains why Whitman chose the phrase "every atom" for the last line?

To emphasize the seriousness of his words.

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself." Long enough have you dream'd contemptible dreams, Now I wash the gum from your eyes, You must habit yourself to the dazzle of the light and of every moment of your life. Long have you timidly waded holding a plank by the shore, Now I will you to be a bold swimmer, To jump off in the midst of the sea, rise again, nod to me, shout, and laughingly dash with your hair. Which theme is suggested by this excerpt?

People should be brave, take risks, and embrace all aspects of life.

Which characteristics make "Song of Myself" a free verse poem?

The absence of a consistent rhythmic structure.

Which statement best describes the theme of "Song of Myself"?

There is room for many experiences and, indeed, selves within one self.

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself." I depart as air, I shake my white locks at the runaway sun, I effuse my flesh in eddies, and drift it in lacy jags. How do the words "effuse" and "drift" affect the tone of the second line?

They give the actions described a feeling of importance.

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself." I have no chair, no church, no philosophy, I lead no man to a dinner-table, library, exchange, But each man and each woman of you I lead upon a knoll, My left hand hooking you round the waist, My right hand pointing to landscapes of continents and the public road. Which statement best describes how these lines reflect the theme of the poem?

They indicate that Whitman is more interested in communicating with individuals than society.

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself." It is not far, it is within reach, Perhaps you have been on it since you were born and did not know, Perhaps it is everywhere on water and on land. Shoulder your duds dear son, and I will mine, and let us hasten forth, Wonderful cities and free nations we shall fetch as we go. In this quotation, the first stanza has a different style from the second section. What does this suggest about Whitman's overall style in the poem?

that Whitman's style allows for various kinds of language.