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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. When the child went forth, what happened to him every day? He became the ____________ he looked at.

2. Where does Whitman decide to merge with the crowd when they descend to the pavements?

3. Who does Whitman say the person in the poem "Europe" was paid to do?

4. What is the title of the poem which begins "forms, qualities, lives, humanity, language, thoughts...."?

5. What causes Whitman to wander noiselessly and to bend over other sleepers, wandering and confused?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the signs of spring that Whitman lists in the poem, "Warble for Lilac-Time"?

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

3. What does Whitman ask the soul to do in the poems about addressing the idea of mortality?

4. How is the plowman used in reference and as a metaphor for death in Whitman's poem?

5. Why is it sad when one of the birds in a couple dies and the other one does not know it?

6. Why does Whitman pay homage to the young pioneers who forged ahead to find homes for themselves?

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

8. What happens to the summer rains, according to Whitman's poem "Autumn Rivulets"?

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

10. To whom does Whitman appear to give his spirit to, though this person is never mentioned by name in a poem?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Whitman also has a close relationship with nature, talking about being naked with it and being enveloped by it.

Part 1: Why do you think so many poets have such a strong connection with nature?

Part 2: Do you think the nature can be emotionally engaging? Or do you look at nature as something without emotion?

Part 3: How do you think observing nature can affect the way poems are written?

(see the answer keys)

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