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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 is not sure, but the high soul of lovers welcomes _______ most.

2. What does Whitman say goes to and fro, seeking a livelihood, chattering, and chaffering?

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

4. What did Whitman once feel was impassive, ample, and spheric in nature, though he is changing his mind?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whitman believes that no matter what science can uncover, the soul will supersede it.

Part 1: Why do you think Whitman believes the soul is the most important part of the world experience?

Part 2: Why can't science be bigger than the experience of the soul?

Part 3: How do you feel about the importance of the soul versus the importance of science?

Essay Topic 3

Whitman discusses the idea that he has no legacy to leave behind for his family and the next generation.

Part 1: Why do you think a legacy is something of importance?

Part 2: Do you agree that Whitman has left nothing as a legacy?

Part 3: Is it important to you that you leave a legacy to the next generation? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 720 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample