English Test 2- Walt Whitman's "Song Of Myself" #5

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. They show unique sides of a universal worldview. They reveal opposing sides of an ongoing argument. They suggest that the poem has more than one speaker.

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. They show Whitman's sociability and his interest in human nature. They reflect Whitman's desire to share his love of the wilderness. They suggest that Whitman views all individuals as equals who should communicate with each other as such.

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 exceedingly high opinion of himself. It shows Whitman's love of life and of experience. It indicates Whitman's perception that he is above others' judgment. It reflects Whitman's ideas about the capacity of the human spirit.

Which of the following statements best describes the effect of the free verse structure in "Song of Myself"? It reinforces the speaker's feelings of vigor and spontaneity. It allows the poet to describe scenes in less detail. It slows down the forward progression of the poem. It increases the narrative quality of the poem.

What is the most likely reason the author chose a free verse structure for "Song of Myself"? Free verse suited the poet's mood when he was writing the poem. The poet had an obvious aversion to rhyme and meter. A more open structure is often easier to manage than a formal one. Free verse allowed for the expression of expansive ideas.

Read the excerpt 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. What theme is suggested by this excerpt? People should be brave, take risks, and embrace all aspects of life. People should be careful when taking chances that they can handle the outcome. People should take the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds them each day. People should be lighthearted and carefree and avoid taking life too seriously.

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 is concerned that readers won't understand his poem. He wants to communicate directly with readers. He is unable to express his thoughts in any other style. He wants to vary the language of the poem.

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 does not have a distinctive style as a poet that Whitman's style allows for various kinds of language that Whitman is comfortable using traditional styles of poetry that Whitman's style conforms to age-old rules of poetry

How do the images of travel in part 46 of "Song of Myself" contribute to the poem's theme? They suggest that human life is impermanent. They show that growth involves a steady movement forward. They remind readers that the poem is about journeying within one's self. They suggest expansiveness, or extending one's reach outward.

Which characteristic makes "Song of Myself" a free verse poem? the presence of a strong theme the absence of a consistent rhythmic structure the use of images from nature and everyday life the presence of a definite voice