Question

In "I Hear America Singing," the speaker describes people employed in America’s working class. Why do you think the speaker leaves out certain groups, such as the wealthy or political figures? Cite specific evidence from the text to support your analysis.

Answer 1

Here's what I put to give anyone an idea.

Whitman might have left out the grand and wealthy people in America because they already had everything. They had no reason to hope for a better country when they were sitting pretty - and neither cared about togetherness because they were wealthy and own everything. This is found when Whitman states "Each singing what belongs to him or her and to no one else ...". The wealthy figures are not included because they are not singing. They do not hum while they work because they do not work.

Answer 2

This is because Whitman doesn't consider these people as part of the working class. They have not toiled in the dirt or in the rank sweat of a factory. Politicians and rich men do not know what physical toil is nor are they relegated to survival for much of their life.