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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. What does Whitman say was the year of struggle, the year when no dainty rhymes or sentimental loves verses were written?

2. What is piercing through the storm, piercing and pealing as the storm rises up?

3. Who is in the curious trio with Whitman? This trio includes his _________ and his body, and himself.

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

5. Who does Whitman describe as being lean and sinewy with muscular legs, thinly clothed, and well trained?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does a muse beckon Whitman to do in the beginning of these poems in this section?

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

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

7. To whom does Whitman compare the country of old Ireland, in his poem to this land?

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

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

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

The author is also sure that the wonderful United States is prosperous now, but that it will encounter a time of problems.

Part 1: Why do you think Whitman wants to point out that the U.S. is going to have troubles in the future?

Part 2: Do you think that Whitman was correct in his prediction?

Part 3: Why do you think Whitman wanted to discuss the idea of a possible unkind fate in the future?

Essay Topic 3

Whitman is clear that his sexuality is not tied to loving one person or one sort of person. This fluid description can cause issues for some readers.

Part 1: Why do you think Whitman doesn't want to connect himself to just one sort of love partner?

Part 2: Do you think it's possible for sexuality to be as fluid as Whitman describes it to be?

Part 3: How do you feel about the idea of sexuality? It is more rigid for you or do you agree with Whitman's ideas?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 703 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample