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

2. Whitman says that he is not sure, but the high soul of lovers welcomes _______ most.

3. During this section of the poems, what age does Whitman profess to being?

4. Who does Whitman see eating the bread of his last supper in the midst of youths and old persons?

5. What rose before Whitman when he was pondering his poetry in silence in this book?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Whitman describe the touches of the lover as they are making love in the grass with each other?

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

6. What does Whitman think about seeing the world through someone else's eyes, even if it is through the eyes of a poet?

7. What does Whitman state about the idea of what happens after death, though he is still unsure?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The poet brings up an interesting idea of seeking happiness in places other than in one's self.

Part 1: Do you agree that happiness should only be found outside of one's self?

Part 2: Why do you think Whitman wants to reverse the idea of finding happiness in one's self?

Part 3: How do you find happiness in your own life? In yourself? Outside of yourself?

(see the answer keys)

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