View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Whitman writes that whatever satisfies ________ is true, according to one of his poems.

2. For what time of the year does Whitman write a warble, in the form of a poem for in the "Autumn Rivulets" section?

3. The United States is seen as ________ with equality in the eyes of their mother, according to Whitman.

4. Whitman says that he is the sworn _______ of every dauntless rebel the world over, with songs of insurrection.

5. What is the one thing that Whitman says the President has not learned of during his life so far?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the plowman used in reference and as a metaphor for death in Whitman's poem?

2. How is the meteor used as a metaphor in the poem called, "Year of Meteors," which Whitman has written?

3. Why is an old man in the poem "Prayers of Columbus" too full of woe, according to Whitman's poem?

4. Who are the phantoms to which Whitman refers in his poems about love being lost?

5. Whose philosophies does Whitman respect without any exceptions, according to the writing?

6. How does Whitman describe Paumanok in the spring when he writes the poem "Sea-Drift"?

7. To whom does Whitman compare the country of old Ireland, in his poem to this land?

8. What is an endless source of inspiration for poetry, according to the poems which the poet has created?

9. What does Whitman question about the world when he sees the felons being shackled and held in the court?

10. What happens to the summer rains, according to Whitman's poem "Autumn Rivulets"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The poet brings up an interesting idea of seeking happiness in places other than in one's self.

Part 1: Do you agree that happiness should only be found outside of one's self?

Part 2: Why do you think Whitman wants to reverse the idea of finding happiness in one's self?

Part 3: How do you find happiness in your own life? In yourself? Outside of yourself?

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 overt sexual language of Whitman can surprise some people as this does not seem to be something which is expected.

Part 1: Did you expect to find so much sexual language and description in this collection of poems?

Part 2: Did the sexual themes detract from your enjoyment of Whitman's work?

Part 3: Why do you think Whitman felt he needed to include so much sexual poetry in this collection?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 675 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample