Question

Help will be appreciated !

Which of the following most clearly describes a central theme in the Walt Whitman poem, “I Hear America Singing?”

Every man and woman contributes positively and uniquely to the American experience and identity.

America is made up of hard-working tradesmen.

The American identity is expressed in song by the women and children who live in this great nation.

None of the above is correct.

Answer 1

This poem reveals Whitman's attitude toward America, which is pure glory and admiration to its creativeness of labor and its achievement because of its hardworking people at large. The author appreciates the mechanic, the carpenter, the mason, the boatman, the shoemaker, and others to make the life and culture of America. Answer is B. America is made up of hard-working tradesmen.

Answer 2

The best choice would be A. The poem talks about how every person has unique talents that form the American identify. B is incorrect because yes, America does have hard working tradesmen, but it fails to mention how that ties in to America's overall identity. C includes a bit about the American identity, but only refers to women and children, not men. It also neglects the fact that the song is metaphorical, and the women and children do not actually express the American Identity through singing it. That leaves D being false because A was the correct answer. Hope this helps you! Neat poem for Independence day too by the way ;)