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According to the poem, how does Whitman characterize the relationship between God and humanity?

1) God is present in every thing and every person and is on par with humans.
2) God is an omnipotent being who exercises power over helpless humans.
3) God is a compassionate entity who engenders empathy in those who are pious.
4) God is a figure created by man to subjugate the masses through religion.

User Teepee
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Final answer:

Walt Whitman portrays God as immanently present in every aspect of the world and in every individual, suggesting a non-hierarchical relationship between the divine and humanity. His poetry combines natural and urban imagery to show a unified vision of America, and his voice is deeply personal and rhythmical. Finally, Whitman addresses the Civil War and its aftermath in his work, particularly in his lament for President Lincoln.

Step-by-step explanation:

Walt Whitman's poem, Song of Myself, characterizes the relationship between God and humanity as one where God is present in every thing and every person, on par with humans. This is derived from Whitman's transcendentalist connections and his ethos of celebrating the commonalities of nature and humanity. Furthermore, in his poetry, Whitman employs a blend of natural elements and man-made or urban elements, showcasing his unique ability to bridge the gap between the natural world and the urban society he lived in. The voice of Whitman's poetry is often described as expansive, personal, and celebratory, with a soothing rhythm despite its lack of traditional rhyme and meter. Through poems like O Captain! My Captain!, Whitman engages with the Civil War, reflecting the nation's grief over President Lincoln's assassination and symbolizing the end of a tumultuous period in American history.

User JoshReedSchramm
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