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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 says that he was offering too long to feed his soul with __________, which was clearly not a good idea..

2. Whitman proposes that grass is the ___________ of the Lord, when he contemplates it as a child.

3. Whitman expresses that he knows the __________ does not know how longingly he looked at them.

4. What is NOT a word which is used to describe the poets Whitman says are still to come in the world?

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 does the author feel about the idea of being present in the here and in the now?

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

3. What is the city which Whitman admires, though not for the pageantry and the wealth that exists in this city?

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

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

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

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

8. What are some of the features of the Paumanok area of Long Island which makes the area special to Whitman?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Poetry is something which can resonate with readers and it can also create problems for other readers.

Part 1: Do you enjoy reading poetry? What are your immediate reactions to the idea of poetry?

Part 2: How might poetry not be enjoyable for you? What obstacles are in the way of your enjoyment?

Part 3: Why do you think poetry continues to be created as opposed to writing fiction instead?

(see the answer keys)

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