Final answer:
The "singing" referred to by Whitman in "I Hear America Singing" symbolizes the collective and individual voices of American workers. Whitman's poetry celebrates democracy, individualism, and reflects on the Civil War, using a free verse structure and a tone that blends the personal with the universal. Option c is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In I Hear America Singing, Walt Whitman refers to the metaphorical “singing” as the everyday sounds of American workers engaging in their various occupations with joy and pride (option c). This “singing” is a poetic expression of individual labor contributing to the collective harmony and progress of the nation. The occupations mentioned represent the diverse and democratic spirit of America.
Each person's song is unique and represents their individual contribution to society, reflecting Whitman's ideals of democracy and individualism. The poem's mood is celebratory and upbeat, which resonates with Whitman's broader themes throughout his work, including engaging with the Civil War and illustrating the democratic ideals in America.
Whitman's use of the word "carols" instead of "songs" evokes the feeling of a festive, collective celebration. The voice of Whitman's poetry is often described as both personal and universal; he uses a conversational tone and a free verse structure, giving a sense of natural speech to his poetic voice.
Whitman's work also engages deeply with the Civil War, reflecting on the profound impact it had on the country and its people, offering both a testament to the human spirit and a lament for the tremendous losses. His poetry often balances the themes of individuality and unity, natural elements and the manmade world, thus connecting the personal experience to the wider American identity.