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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. The metaphor of __________ is used in relation to the plowman, tilling to life, while the harvester harvests in the end.

2. Even those, Whitman says, that know unrequited ________ can sleep, as do prisoners.

3. Who is singing the song, a husky song as the main character in the poem walks on the beach at night alone?

4. What does Whitman say the man is now that he has tears in his face at the sight of the waters?

5. When Whitman talks about Christianity, with whom does he commiserate within his poems on the topic?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are the phantoms to which Whitman refers in his poems about love being lost?

2. What does the song have to include in itself in order to be considered universal?

3. What is an endless source of inspiration for poetry, according to the poems which the poet has created?

4. Why does the young man ring the ocean bell when he is steering the boat during the treacherous weather?

5. What does Whitman wish he had the chance to do for the United States as it makes its impact in the world?

6. What does Whitman question about the world when he sees the felons being shackled and held in the court?

7. What does the poem "Passage to India" have to share about this country and about its progress in the world?

8. What is the lesson of the ebb of the ocean, according to the poem of Whitman?

9. What does Whitman point out happens no matter how many advancements science has made?

10. To what are the tides of the ocean compared to in life, according to the poems of Whitman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Whitman seems to have a very strong sense of patriotism and allegiance to the United States.

Part 1: Did you find it surprising that Whitman was so patriotic? Why or why not?

Part 2: Do you think it's important to have a strong sense of patriotism as a creative person?

Part 3: Why do you think Whitman felt so strongly about the United States that he had to include poems about patriotism?

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'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?

(see the answer keys)

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