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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. Whitman believes that in his journey, the _________ is not the only thing that is there.

2. What will Whitman plant as thick as trees along all the rivers of America and along the shores of all the great lakes?

3. Whitman realizes he was still not happen when he heard _________ and was received well at the capitol.

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

5. Whitman believes himself to be as trustful to his poems as a father is to his _______________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Whitman's stance on how he views individual people and who they are, an opinion which is repeated frequently?

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

3. What does Whitman describe his understanding of Adam's first experience when walking in the Garden of Eden?

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

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

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

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

8. What is so strange about the idea that Whitman is so fervently patriotic in the poems he has written? When was Whitman born in relation to the 'birth' of the United States?

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

10. What is one of the main criticisms of Whitman's poetry, as these graphic images come up in the poems quite frequently?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Whitman also has a close relationship with nature, talking about being naked with it and being enveloped by it.

Part 1: Why do you think so many poets have such a strong connection with nature?

Part 2: Do you think the nature can be emotionally engaging? Or do you look at nature as something without emotion?

Part 3: How do you think observing nature can affect the way poems are written?

Essay Topic 2

Whitman's writing seems to be filled with wonder and awe at the world and all of its inhabitants.

Part 1: Why do you think Whitman is so in awe of the world?

Part 2: How do you feel about the world and about the creatures within it?

Part 3: Do you think that you can cultivate awe and wonder in the world? Or is it inherent?

Essay Topic 3

Whitman could be described as being appreciative of people, in all of their forms.

Part 1: Why do you think writers are so appreciative of people and their many forms?

Part 2: How do you think people are done a service by being described by poets and writers?

Part 3: Do you think people are the most important sources of inspiration for writers?

(see the answer keys)

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