Question

According to Walt Whitman in his poem "Song of Myself", who is considered an American?

1) Someone who was born in America
2) Someone who is a citizen of America
3) Someone who identifies as an American
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Walt Whitman's Song of Myself expresses the idea that an American is someone who identifies with the American spirit and the common people, not merely by birth or legal status. The correct option is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Walt Whitman in Song of Myself, the concept of being an American extends beyond mere birthright or legal status. Instead, Whitman's work suggests that an American is someone who identifies with and celebrates the nation's ideals and the common people.

In the preface to the first edition of Leaves of Grass in 1855, Whitman highlights his adoration for the everyday people, stating "Other states indicate themselves in their deputies...but the genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislators...but always most in the common people."

This love for the commonality among people is a persistent theme throughout his poetry, indicating that for Whitman, an American is fundamentally someone who identifies as an American, embracing the nation's spirit and its people. The correct option is 3.