Final answer:
The diction in 'America Singing' positively affects the poem's mood by using the word 'carols' for its celebratory connotation, illustrating the joy and pride in America's diversity and individual contributions. The informal and conversational tone creates intimacy and reflects Whitman's democratic and individualistic ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diction in the poem 'America Singing' by Walt Whitman plays a significant role in crafting the poem's mood. Whitman's choice of the word 'carols' instead of 'songs' in the first line has an uplifting connotation, invoking the joyous and celebratory nature of caroling. This choice reflects Whitman's ideals of democracy and individualism, as the poem highlights a chorus of diverse American workers each singing their unique 'carols' - representing their own experiences and contributing to the tapestry of America's collective spirit. The word 'carols' also adds to the poem's cheerful and inclusive mood, resonating with the spirit of community and shared happiness.
The line 'Each singing what belongs to him and her and to none else' emphasizes the personal and individual participation in this collective celebration of America, further reinforcing the theme of individualism. Whitman's diction creates a vivid picture of a nation where each voice is valued and each person's contribution is unique. The mood of the poem is thus one of optimism, unity, and pride in the diverse fabric of the American workforce.
The structure of the poem, with its free verse and lack of a standard meter or end rhyme, reflects the free-flowing and natural rhythm of everyday American life. It emphasizes the organic quality of the American spirit that Whitman celebrates. The tone of the poem is informal and conversational, creating a sense of intimacy and trust between the poet and the reader, which was an aspect particularly important in the selection criteria discussed by Billy Collins for the Best American Poetry anthology.