View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. Walt Whitman hears the rhythmic myths of the ____________, the strong legends of the Romans.

4. Where did Whitman say that he sat studying the older times of American? The feet of ___________.

5. Whitman addresses other countries who are striving to prove the puzzle of America, the athletic ______________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where was Whitman born, and how does that place affect him?

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

4. What does Whitman say when someone else is present with his body? What changes?

5. Who are some of the groups for which Whitman seems to have a particular affection in his poems?

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

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

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

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

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?

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

Whitman is very focused on writing about himself in his poems. He wants to focus on the idea of his observations and the way he interprets his world.

Part 1: Do you think it's limiting to only show the world through one set of eyes?

Part 2: How do you think Whitman could have improved his poems and extended the way he described the world?

Part 3: Why do you think so many writers and poets use only their own experience to write? Is this a good or a bad thing?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 727 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample