Final answer:
Walt Whitman uses the word 'carols' to describe the joyous and individualistic actions of American workers in his poem 'I Hear America Singing', emphasizing the collective harmony of the nation through diverse contributions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 'I Hear America Singing', Walt Whitman uses the word 'carols' to describe the actions of the American workers. By using 'carols' instead of 'songs', Whitman emphasizes the spontaneous and joyous nature of the work performed by various professionals, ranging from mechanics to mothers. It's a celebration of individual contribution to the collective harmony and melody of the nation, reflecting the poet's ideals of democracy and individualism. In this poem, the acts of labor are elevated to a form of personal expression and unity, singing 'what belongs to him and her and to none else,' which speaks to the unique and important role each person plays in the fabric of America.
Whitman's use of 'carols' also imparts a sense of freedom and pride, important themes throughout his work Leaves of Grass, which looks at the everyday experiences and occupations of Americans. Each worker’s song is “blithe and strong,” symbolizing the robust and cheerful spirit of the American workforce. This optimistic tone contributes to the overall mood of the poem, which is one of celebration and reverence for the diverse yet unified populace of the nation.