Leaves of Grass Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

Leaves of Grass Topics for Discussion

Do you think "Leaves of Grass" is expressive or obscene due to its overt sexual nature?

Which subject do you think was more important to Whitman - observation of nature or patriotism?

How do you think Whitman's uncensored relationships affected his work?

Do you think Whitman's lifelong series of edits improved or detracted from "Leaves of Grass"?

How might Whitman react to the current state of U.S. politics?

Do you think the faith of Whitman's parents had any profound effect on his work? Explain.

If Whitman were alive today, what might be the main focus of his work? Discuss.

Did the inclusion of Whitman's rejected poems add to or detract from the work?

Whitman was considered to be a vagabond. Which setting do you think was more inspiring to the poet, the city or the country?