Final answer:
Failing to understand Whitman's message does not render his poetry irrelevant or useless; his use of free verse and thematic richness encourages persistent reading and engagement with the text, revealing meaning over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we fail to understand Whitman's message in his poetry, it doesn't necessarily mean we will never truly be Americans or that the message is only for the intelligent. Whitman's work, flush with free verse and a celebration of democracy and individualism, invites multiple readings. His use of common language and images allows different readers to access his work on varying levels. Encountering Whitman's unconventional structure can be challenging, but his poems do not lose value or become irrelevant if not immediately understood. Instead, the richness of his poetry gradually reveals itself through persistent reading and engagement with the text. The act of going back and reading the poem again is part of the experiential process Whitman's work intends for readers.
Given the way Whitman's poetry unfolds over time, his work will certainly not be irrelevant or useless if it's not understood at first, contrary to the fourth option provided in the student's question. Whitman's engagement with themes like the Civil War, democracy, common life, and his innovative use of language ensures that the poems continue to be of interest. Even if a reader does not fully grasp Whitman's message, the poems can still provide value and provoke thought, encouraging readers to revisit and reflect upon the work.