Question

1. (a) Interpret in the Preface to Leaves of Grass, what does Whitman

mean when he calls America a "nation of nations"? (b) Connect How
2. (a) In Section 51 of "Song of Myself," what attitude toward time does
(b) Analyze What does the speaker seem to want of the listener? Explain
the speaker express? Cite time-related details to support your answer.
3. Summarize What main idea does the speaker express in lines 2-3 of
4. Interpret In "On the Beach at Night Alone," how does the second stanza
state and develop the "thought" the speaker has in the third line of the
Section 52 of "Song of Myself"?
poem? Explain.
5. Historical Perspectives The French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville
alone, [imagining] that their whole destiny is in their own hands." To wha
wrote that Americans are "always considering themselves as standing
extent do you think Walt Whitman's writing illustrates that idea?
6. Essential Question: What role does individualism play in American
society? What have you learned about American individualism from
reading Whitman's writings?
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Answer 1

Walt Whitman celebrated American individualism and the common people in his poetry, merging natural and urban elements with a democratic spirit. His works, such as 'Song of Myself,' contribute significantly to the transcendental movement and engage with events like the Civil War.

Step-by-step explanation:

Walt Whitman is renowned for being a journeyman poet of American individualism and its champion, particularly through his seminal work, Leaves of Grass. His unique poetic voice, often free from the constraints of traditional rhyme and meter, offers sweeping views of everyday life that intertwine the highbrow with the commonplace, seamlessly merging images of nature with urban life. Whitman first gained public attention in 1855 with the first edition of Leaves of Grass, and through his work, notably in poems like "Song of Myself," he fostered a connection with the common man and celebrated common people's lives and experiences.

In the preface to Leaves of Grass, Whitman's designation of America as a "nation of nations" reflects his view of the country as a diverse aggregation of cultures and peoples, embodying a greater collective identity. Through his poetry, especially "Song of Myself," Whitman expresses a temporality that is both immediate and eternal, as well as a desire for the reader to recognize their connectedness to the greater whole. His works cogently illustrate the sentiment of de Tocqueville, highlighting the American notion of shaping individual destinies.

Moreover, Whitman's contribution to the transcendentalist movement is significant, with his works emphasizing the importance of the subjective experience and the bond that unites individuals with others. His voice in poetry is characterized by an unapologetic embrace of self and a democratic spirit, often reflecting a mood of celebration and inclusivity. Whitman also directly engages with historical events such as the Civil War, proving his versatility as a poet who addresses both the personal and the collective narrative of America.

Overall, Whitman's poetry serves as a beacon of American individualism, showcasing the vital role it plays in society and illuminating its manifestations through the connections made between individuals, nature, and urban life.