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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. Whitman believes that the words of true ________ do not merely please those who read them.

3. Who leaves natural breaths, the sounds of rains and winds, calls as the birds and animals in the woods?

4. Who does Whitman profess to folding in every leaf of his poetry in order to celebrate the sea?

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

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. 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?

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

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

5. What does Whitman describe when he is talking about the experiences of his body in relation to another's body?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

While Whitman also addresses a number of metaphysical issues, he also talks about God and Jesus.

Part 1: Do you think that metaphysical and Christian ideas can coexist?

Part 2: How do you think Whitman feels about the idea of religion in general?

Part 3: How do you you feel about faith, spirituality, and religion? Are they all connected in some way? Do they have to be?

Essay Topic 3

Whitman points out that the inhabitants of America want nothing more than to be unique and to have their own identity.

Part 1: How would you describe the idea of being unique?

Part 2: Do you feel it is important for you to have your own identity?

Part 3: Why is it so important for people to create their own identity in the world? Or isn't it?

(see the answer keys)

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