1. Connect a particular poem to an incident in Whitman's life and show how Whitman used his experience as a foundation for poetic expression.

2. Examine Whitman's concept of democracy and show how he supported "democratic" virtues in his work.

3. Discuss Whitman's experiences in the Civil War and examine the poems that emerged from this aspect of his life.

4. Analyze any one of Whitman's poems in depth, or describe the major features of Whitman's poetic style in depth.

5. Trace the development of Whitman's reputation as a poet from the publication of Leaves of Grass until his death. Explain positive and negative responses to his work.