View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Whitman believes that the words of true ________ do not merely please those who read them.
(a) Stories.
(b) Myths.
(c) Books.
(d) Poems.

2. What is flying aloft as the ship begins to go out into the sea in "The Ship Starting"?
(a) Pennants.
(b) Hopes.
(c) Ribbons.
(d) Hands.

3. What is NOT a word which is used to describe the poets Whitman says are still to come in the world?
(a) Honest.
(b) Continental.
(c) Athletic.
(d) Native.

4. What has been named with can not be countermanded in struggles and in wars?
(a) Goal.
(b) Death.
(c) Truth.
(d) Birth.

5. With another man, Whitman writes, he dilates and fuses the immortal laws and makes himself by them the _______ unto himself.
(a) Law.
(b) Honor.
(c) Truth.
(d) Love.

Short Answer Questions

1. What color is the water in the poem, "In Cabin'd Ships at Sea," as it moves around the boat?

2. What kind of headsman stands mask'd, clothed in red, with huge legs and strong naked arms?

3. How old is Whitman at the time of his writing his poems, noting this in his poems and that he is in good health?

4. Which sort of bird caused Whitman to stop and open listen to it opening its throat and joyfully singing?

5. Who is singing the varied carols which Whitman can hear as mentioned in a poem which reveals the answer?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the poet's feelings about the idea of mortality, according to the poems he writes?

2. What does Whitman have to say about the pain of loving a man or a woman in great excess?

3. What are some of the similar points of religions which Whitman points out for the reader?

4. What is the main reason why Whitman says that he enjoys Manhattan so much during his travels there?

5. Why does Whitman warn the readers about the dangers of religion and those who are enamored of it?

6. What parts of the United States structure does Whitman have a lot of respect for?

7. What does Whitman proclaim about nature when he is talking about nature in this first section ?

8. What can be determined about Whitman's life experiences by the reading of the many poems which Whitman has crafted about the water?

9. What does Whitman reveal about a lover who spoke of acceptance within one of his poems?

10. What does Whitman try to do for himself, instead of being completely engrossed by one belief system?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 642 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample