Question

In the context of the poem, what does the word blithe most likely mean?

I Hear America Singing
by Walt Whitman
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand
singing on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he
stands,
The wood-cutter's song, the ploughboy's on his way in the morning, or
at noon intermission or at sundown,
The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of
the girl sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day-at night the party of young fellows,
robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.

Answer 1

The word 'blithe' in the poem most likely means cheerful or happy.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of the poem, the word blithe most likely means cheerful or happy. It is used to describe how the mechanics are singing their carols. By using this word, the poet emphasizes the joy and contentment that the workers feel while performing their jobs.

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