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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. To whom is Whitman referring when he talks about the estuary which enlarges and spread itself grandly in the great sea?

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

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

4. Whitman says that he is the sworn _______ of every dauntless rebel the world over, with songs of insurrection.

5. Who does Whitman describe as sitting in the middle of the prison and causing a scene?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the procession of the people into the theater, one of many on Broadway, used as a metaphor for in "A Broadway Pageant"?

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

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

7. How is the meteor used as a metaphor in the poem called, "Year of Meteors," which Whitman has written?

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

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

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

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)

This section contains 715 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample