Question

Where are we going, Walt Whitman? The

doors close in an hour. Which way does your
beard point tonight?
(I touch your book and dream of our
odyssey in the supermarket and feel absurd.)
Will we walk all night through solitary
streets? The trees add shade to shade, lights
out in the houses, we'll both be lonely.
-"A Supermarket in California,"
Allen Ginsberg
What feeling or idea does Ginsberg express with
this allusion to Walt Whitman?

A. Ginsberg suggests that both he and Whitman
are superior to others.
B. Ginsberg suggests that both he and Whitman
are out of step with the norms of mainstream
society.
C. Ginsberg suggests that both he and Whitman
are running out of time and must leave the
market.

Answer 1

Answer: B. Ginsberg suggests that both he and Whitman are out of step with the norms of mainstream society.

Explanation: The poem takes place in a supermarket, which symbolizes the conformity and consumerism of modern society. By invoking Walt Whitman, a renowned poet known for his celebration of individuality and nonconformity, Ginsberg is expressing a desire to break free from societal constraints and embrace a more authentic and unconventional way of life.

The line "Where are we going, Walt Whitman?" signifies Ginsberg's longing for guidance and inspiration from Whitman, as he seeks to navigate the complex and restrictive world around him. The mention of the closing doors and the sense of urgency in the poem further emphasize the idea that both Ginsberg and Whitman are running out of time and must find their own path before it's too late.