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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. "And there is ______ to us of all that has ever come of races and days, or ever will come."

2. At the time of freedom, the soul can emerge fully and ponder the _________ one loves best.

3. What color is the halo in the sky, drooping upon the sea in the description of the water?

4. Who does Whitman describe as sitting in the middle of the prison and causing a scene?

5. Where does Whitman stop in order to satisfy his curiosity about what is inside?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the procession of the people into the theater, one of many on Broadway, used as a metaphor for in "A Broadway Pageant"?

2. What does Whitman question about the world when he sees the felons being shackled and held in the court?

3. What is an endless source of inspiration for poetry, according to the poems which the poet has created?

4. To whom does Whitman appear to give his spirit to, though this person is never mentioned by name in a poem?

5. How is the meteor used as a metaphor in the poem called, "Year of Meteors," which Whitman has written?

6. How is the plowman used in reference and as a metaphor for death in Whitman's poem?

7. Why does Whitman pay homage to the young pioneers who forged ahead to find homes for themselves?

8. What does Whitman point out happens no matter how many advancements science has made?

9. Why does the young man ring the ocean bell when he is steering the boat during the treacherous weather?

10. What is the lesson of the ebb of the ocean, according to the poem of Whitman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author is also sure that the wonderful United States is prosperous now, but that it will encounter a time of problems.

Part 1: Why do you think Whitman wants to point out that the U.S. is going to have troubles in the future?

Part 2: Do you think that Whitman was correct in his prediction?

Part 3: Why do you think Whitman wanted to discuss the idea of a possible unkind fate in the future?

Essay Topic 2

Whitman talks about how his body is affected with it is in the presence of another person, which is understandable and relate-able.

Part 1: Why do you think Whitman expresses the idea that his body is affected by others?

Part 2: Can someone's body is affected without having anyone else around?

Part 3: Do you think that you are more or less affected on a body level when someone else is present?

Essay Topic 3

Whitman is clear that his sexuality is not tied to loving one person or one sort of person. This fluid description can cause issues for some readers.

Part 1: Why do you think Whitman doesn't want to connect himself to just one sort of love partner?

Part 2: Do you think it's possible for sexuality to be as fluid as Whitman describes it to be?

Part 3: How do you feel about the idea of sexuality? It is more rigid for you or do you agree with Whitman's ideas?

(see the answer keys)

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