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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Walt Whitman hears the rhythmic myths of the ____________, the strong legends of the Romans.

2. How does Whitman spell Canada when he uses the name in the poem, "On Journeys through the States"?

3. Whitman believes himself to be as trustful to his poems as a father is to his _______________.

4. The __________ has joy in inflating the chest, rolling the thunder of the voice, making the people rage, and leading America.

5. What rose before Whitman when he was pondering his poetry in silence in this book?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are some of the groups for which Whitman seems to have a particular affection in his poems?

2. What does Whitman proclaim about nature when he is talking about nature in this first section ?

3. What does Whitman try to do for himself, instead of being completely engrossed by one belief system?

4. What does Whitman have to say about the pain of loving a man or a woman in great excess?

5. What does Whitman reveal about a lover who spoke of acceptance within one of his poems?

6. What is so strange about the idea that Whitman is so fervently patriotic in the poems he has written? When was Whitman born in relation to the 'birth' of the United States?

7. What are some of the features of the Paumanok area of Long Island which makes the area special to Whitman?

8. What is the city which Whitman admires, though not for the pageantry and the wealth that exists in this city?

9. What are some of the similar points of religions which Whitman points out for the reader?

10. What does the author feel about the idea of being present in the here and in the now?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While Whitman also addresses a number of metaphysical issues, he also talks about God and Jesus.

Part 1: Do you think that metaphysical and Christian ideas can coexist?

Part 2: How do you think Whitman feels about the idea of religion in general?

Part 3: How do you you feel about faith, spirituality, and religion? Are they all connected in some way? Do they have to be?

Essay Topic 2

Whitman discusses the idea that he has no legacy to leave behind for his family and the next generation.

Part 1: Why do you think a legacy is something of importance?

Part 2: Do you agree that Whitman has left nothing as a legacy?

Part 3: Is it important to you that you leave a legacy to the next generation? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The author also repeats the idea that one should live in the now rather than dwelling on the past or on the future.

Part 1: Why is it so important to live in the now, in the present time and place?

Part 2: Do you think you tend to live in the now or do you live in other time periods?

Part 3: What might be some obstacles to living in the now? What sorts of problems may this way of living cause?

(see the answer keys)

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