Leaves of Grass Questions and Answers
Leaves of Grass
What is your analysis of Walt Whitman's "Out of the Rolling Ocean the Crowd?"
Walt Whitman's "Out of the Rolling Ocean the Crowd" explores themes of human connection and mortality. The poem compares the crowd to a rolling ocean, emphasizing brief yet meaningful interactions...
Leaves of Grass
In "A child said, What is the grass?" from Leaves of Grass, what metaphors and imagery relate to the socio-cultural...
In "A child said, What is the grass?" metaphors and imagery reflect socio-cultural themes of Whitman's time, such as unity and equality. The grass symbolizes nature's vitality, described as "the flag...
Leaves of Grass
In section 2 of Song of Myself, what is meant by the line "Echoes, ripples, buzz'd whispers, love-root, silk...
In section 2 of "Song of Myself," the line "Echoes, ripples, buzz'd whispers, love-root, silk thread, crotch and vine" symbolizes the interconnectedness of individuals with each other, nature, and...
Leaves of Grass
Whitman discusses the overarching themes and purpose of his work in the preface to "Leaves of Grass"
In the preface to "Leaves of Grass," Whitman discusses themes such as the celebration of the individual, the interconnectedness of humanity, and the beauty of the American landscape. He emphasizes...
Leaves of Grass
Why was Whitman's Leaves of Grass controversial in the mid-nineteenth century?
Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass was so controversial in the mid-nineteenth century due to Whitman's departures from well-established poetic traditions of the mid-nineteenth century and due to the...
Leaves of Grass
Whitman's overall message and views on nature in "Song of Myself."
Whitman's overall message in "Song of Myself" is the profound interconnectedness between humans and nature. He celebrates the unity of all living things and emphasizes the importance of embracing the...
Leaves of Grass
What does "the largest and most stirring" refer to in Leaves of Grass?
"The largest and most stirring" in Whitman's Leaves of Grass refers to the United States, which he describes as the greatest poem. Whitman argues that past nations, despite being lively and vigorous,...
Leaves of Grass
What is the meaning of the first stanza in "Song of Myself" from Leaves of Grass?
In "Song of Myself" in Leaves of Grass, Whitman declares that the "I" of the narrator includes not only himself as an individual, but also the rest of humanity and the entire universe.
Leaves of Grass
Can you paraphrase Walt Whitman's poem "Whispers of Heavenly Death"?
Walt Whitman's poem "Whispers of Heavenly Death" explores his perspective on death, portraying it as a serene, almost divine experience rather than something to fear. He uses gentle, euphemistic...
Leaves of Grass
What do the last four lines mean in Walt Whitman's poem, "I Celebrate Myself, and Sing Myself"?
The last four lines of Whitman's poem emphasize the suspension of structured systems like "creeds and schools," suggesting they are temporarily set aside but not forgotten. Whitman commits to...
Leaves of Grass
How does Whitman define America's attitude toward the past in his preface to Leaves of Grass?
Whitman, in his preface to Leaves of Grass, describes America's attitude toward the past as not bound by it but rather accepting its lessons while evolving. He contrasts this with Old World...
Leaves of Grass
What literary devices does Walt Whitman use in "To a Stranger"?
In "To a Stranger," Walt Whitman employs literary devices such as dream vision and allegory. The poem utilizes a dream-like framework, reminiscent of Medieval dream visions, where the stranger...
Leaves of Grass
Why did some people like and others dislike Walt Whitman?
Opinions on Walt Whitman varied because he broke poetic traditions by using free verse and addressing controversial themes, including sexuality, which some found revolutionary and others deemed...
Leaves of Grass
What is the essence of section 21 of "Song of Myself"?
Section 21 of "Song of Myself" highlights the theme of "truth in things," emphasizing that truth resides in the physical world and is as significant as any other form of understanding. Whitman...
Leaves of Grass
What is Whitman's expectation of the American poet, as expressed in the Preface to Leaves of Grass?
Whitman expects the American poet to reflect the nation's diversity, equality, and innovation. The poet should transcend traditional forms, embracing creativity and vision, while avoiding direct or...
Leaves of Grass
Why is Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" considered transcendental, particularly section 6?
"Song of Myself" is considered transcendental due to its focus on achieving a spiritual state through personal intuition rather than learned beliefs. This uniquely American form of poetry differs...
Leaves of Grass
The relationship between poetic and political order in Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass and its reflection of the...
In Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman intertwines poetic and political order, reflecting the democratic ideals and individualism emphasized in the 1855 preface. Whitman uses his poetry to advocate for...
Leaves of Grass
Compare Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass and William Carlos Williams's "Spring and All" in terms of poetic form.
Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass and William Carlos Williams's "Spring and All" both utilize free verse, but differ significantly in execution. Whitman's lines are long and sprawling, reflecting his...
Leaves of Grass
How does the form of Whitman's poetry in Leaves of Grass reflect his political views, such as federalism?
Whitman's poetic form in Leaves of Grass reflects his political views by emphasizing independence, unity, and diversity. His use of long, un-enjambed lines suggests a rejection of traditional...
Leaves of Grass
How does this passage from "Leaves of Grass" diverge from the mainstream of romanticism?
The passage from "Leaves of Grass" diverges from mainstream Romanticism by focusing on the partnership between humanity and nature, showcasing confidence and self-assurance rather than mystery and...
Leaves of Grass
What three elements of free verse are in "Abroad at a Ship's Helm"?
"Abroad at a Ship's Helm" exemplifies free verse by lacking rhyme, rhythm, and meter. The poem does not follow a rhyme scheme and each line has a unique pattern of syllables, resulting in no...
Leaves of Grass
In "There Was a Child Went Forth," does the tone change from the beginning to the end?
The tone of Whitman’s poem changes from the beginning to the end. In the beginning, there is an innocent tone and a focus on youth and childhood. The poet uses light colors, such as white and red...
Leaves of Grass
What does the line "an unseen hand also passed over their bodies/It descended tremblingly from their temples and...
In section 11 of "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman, the line "an unseen hand also passed over their bodies / It descended tremblingly from their temples and ribs" metaphorically represents a woman's...
Leaves of Grass
Examples of imagery, rhythm, and metaphors in Whitman's "Song of Myself."
In "Song of Myself," Whitman uses vivid imagery, such as "the grass is itself a child," to create a strong visual impact. His rhythm is marked by free verse, mirroring natural speech patterns....
Leaves of Grass
Whitman's belief in the United States' need and use for poets in Leaves of Grass
In Leaves of Grass, Whitman believes poets are essential for the United States as they capture and celebrate the nation's spirit, diversity, and democratic ideals. He views poets as vital voices that...
Leaves of Grass
What principal values are explored in the child's question "What is the grass?" in "Leaves of Grass"?
The child's question "What is the grass?" in Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" explores themes of interconnectedness, democracy, and immortality. Whitman uses grass as a symbol of unity among all people,...
Leaves of Grass
Which poems in Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass relate to the American dream?
Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass explores the American Dream through poems like "Song of Myself." Whitman views the United States as a "teeming nation of nations," celebrating its growth and diversity....
Leaves of Grass
According to the preface of Leaves of Grass, what is the promise of American literature and has it been fulfilled?
Walt Whitman's preface to Leaves of Grass promises to link subjective experiences with the national character, defining "American character" through diverse poetic expressions. He envisions America...
Leaves of Grass
How can I paraphrase "Song of Myself" from Leaves of Grass into prose?
To paraphrase "Song of Myself" into prose, begin by reading the poem with a dictionary to understand unfamiliar words. Rewrite each line in your own words, focusing on the poem's meaning and themes....
Leaves of Grass
Why does the speaker in "Leaves of Grass" use "you" twice?
The speaker in "Leaves of Grass" uses "you" twice to address both the reader and himself, reflecting the interconnectedness between humanity and nature. This technique is particularly evident in...
Leaves of Grass
What situation does "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman present?
"I Hear America Singing" presents a celebration of American workers during the rapid industrialization of the 1860s. Whitman lists various occupations, such as carpenters and mechanics, highlighting...
Leaves of Grass
In Whitman's Leaves of Grass, how does the following passage relate to politics?
The passage from "Song of Myself" reflects politics by contrasting the speaker's contentment with the present moment and simple pleasures against the divisive rhetoric of politicians and...
Leaves of Grass
How does the given passage from Leaves of Grass reflect on the relationship between poetic and political order?
The passage from "Leaves of Grass" highlights the poet's role as a guide and equalizer in society, reflecting the political order by emphasizing harmony and natural order. Whitman suggests that...
Leaves of Grass
What does Walt Whitman's quote from Leaves of Grass, "The American bards shall be marked for generosity and affection...
Walt Whitman's quote emphasizes the ethos of generosity, affection, and encouragement among American poets. He advocates for a communal and inclusive spirit, urging poets to support rather than...
Leaves of Grass
What timeless issues does Whitman address in "Song of Myself"?
Whitman addresses timeless issues such as self-love, the interconnectedness of life, and the cyclical nature of existence in "Song of Myself." He challenges Puritan views by celebrating individualism...
Leaves of Grass
How does Whitman view the individual "soul" in the context of technology? How does this compare to the men's...
Whitman views the individual soul as inherently eternal, transcending technology and science, and aligning with a cosmic identity connected to God-in-nature. He places the soul above technological...
Leaves of Grass
In section 2 of "Song of Myself", what does "Have you reckon'd a thousand acres much? Have you reckon'd the earth...
These lines imply that in an industrialized world, people often overlook the majesty of nature, taking it for granted. By asking if one has "reckon'd a thousand acres much" or "the earth much,"...