Jan 2, 2010

Leaves of Grass | Suggested Essay Topics

Inscriptions
1. Discuss Whitman’s notion of democracy. Why does he urge the individual states to “Resist much, obey little”?

2. Describe the mystical and spiritual references in Eidolons.

3. Discuss Whitman’s enthusiasm for “the Modern Man” in One’s-Self I Sing and the working people he describes in I Hear America Singing.

Song of Myself
1. The central image of Whitman’s book is the single blade of grass. Discuss this image and its symbolism.

2. Do you agree with Whitman that one should “loafe”...