Song of Myself Questions and Answers
Song of Myself
Analysis of Lines and Verses in "Song of Myself"
In Section 3 of Whitman's "Song of Myself," the poet critiques the human tendency to measure and compare, urging readers to focus on present joys rather than future rewards. He uses metaphors to...
Song of Myself
Imagery in "Song of Myself."
Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" uses vivid imagery to celebrate individuality and the interconnectedness of all life. He employs natural imagery, such as grass, oceans, and the cosmos, to convey...
Song of Myself
Evaluate Walt Whitman as a mystic poet in "Song of Myself."
A mystic poet is a poet who writes about the intensity and ecstasy of mystical experiences and explores how the human soul relates to the universe. Whitman does all of these things in “Song of...
Song of Myself
How does "Song of Myself" present the relationship between body and soul?
"Song of Myself" presents the relationship between body and soul as equal and interconnected. Whitman rejects the traditional belief that the soul is superior to the body, asserting their equality...
Song of Myself
What are three figures of speech related to grass in "Song of Myself" and what do they compare or suggest?
In "Song of Myself," Whitman uses both metaphor and personification when referring to the grass as "hopeful green stuff" and "the produced babe of the vegetation." Additionally, Whitman uses...
Song of Myself
How is "Song of Myself" an example of transcendentalism in two ways?
"Song of Myself" exemplifies transcendentalism by emphasizing the connection between humans and nature and the unity with the divine. The poem suggests that humans can connect with their souls...
Song of Myself
Literary Devices and Paradoxes in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself"
Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" employs various literary devices, including paradoxes, to explore themes of individuality and universality. Paradoxes in the poem highlight the complexity of the human...
Song of Myself
What poetic techniques are used in "Song of Myself," Number 10?
In "Song of Myself," Number 10, Whitman employs vivid imagery to convey interconnectedness with humanity and nature. He presents scenes of riding in the wilderness, sharing meals with clam-diggers,...
Song of Myself
What figure of speech is used in lines 7-8 of section 52 in "Song of Myself", and what does it mean?
In lines 7-8 of section 52 in "Song of Myself," the figure of speech used is a metaphor. Whitman describes his transformation into nature by saying he "effuses" his flesh in eddies and drifts it in...
Song of Myself
What does Walt Whitman mean by "the flag of my disposition" in "Song of Myself," section 6?
In "Song of Myself," section 6, Whitman uses "the flag of my disposition" to symbolize his hopeful and optimistic nature. He likens grass, woven from "hopeful green stuff," to his own disposition,...
Song of Myself
American Ideals and Societal Values in "Song of Myself"
Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" embodies American ideals, particularly democracy and individuality. The poem celebrates the interconnectedness of all life and the diversity of American society,...
Song of Myself
How does Whitman portray death in "Song of Myself" and how does it differ from Dickinson's portrayal in "Because I...
Whitman in "Song of Myself" portrays death as a natural, positive process, emphasizing its role in the eternal cycle of life and rebirth, rather than an end. He views death as a transition that leads...
Song of Myself
What does the hawk symbolize in "Song of Myself"?
In "Song of Myself," the hawk near the end of the poem might symbolize both Whitman's superego, the part of himself that soars through being disciplined and hardworking, as well as all that is as...
Song of Myself
In "Song of Myself", section 10, how do repetitive sentence patterns create cadence and feelings?
Repetitive sentence patterns in "Song of Myself," section 10, create cadence and evoke feelings through techniques like consonance and parallelism. Consonance, such as the "ell" sound, provides a...
Song of Myself
Can you break down Section 7 of Song of Myself by Walt Whitman?
Section 7 of Whitman's "Song of Myself" is a description of a personal, subjective experience. The tone of this section can be described as insistent and confident.
Song of Myself
What does line 5 in section 51 of "Song of Myself" mean?
In section 51, line 5 of "Song of Myself," the poet, in an aside, assures whatever spirit may be listening that he can be trusted with its secrets. In doing so, he adopts a familiar, confidential...
Song of Myself
What does the line "My tongue, every atom of my blood, formed from this soil" mean in "Song of Myself"?
The line "My tongue, every atom of my blood, formed from this soil" in "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman suggests a deep connection to the earth. Whitman highlights that the physical components of his...
Song of Myself
What is one purpose of the simile in "Song of Myself" starting with "The spotted hawk swoops by..."?
The simile "I depart as air" in "Song of Myself" serves to illustrate the speaker's belief in the infinite nature of his soul. By comparing himself to air, Whitman suggests that his essence is...
Song of Myself
What images in "Song of Myself" appeal to the senses, and how?
"Song of Myself" by Whitman uses vivid sensory imagery to engage readers. In section 2, the imagery of "perfumes" and "odorless" air appeals to the sense of smell, while the tactile sensation of...
Song of Myself
What is pantheism and how does it relate to "Song of Myself"?
Pantheism is the belief that everything in the universe is an embodiment of the divine and infused with God. Whitman celebrates this belief in "Song of Myself" by joyously embracing everything and...
Song of Myself
What elements of realism are present in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself"?
Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" incorporates elements of realism through verisimilitude, accessible language, and detailed imagery. Whitman encourages readers to discern truth personally rather than...
Song of Myself
Whitman's Symbolism and Conceptualization of Love in "Song of Myself"
In "Song of Myself," Walt Whitman conceptualizes love as a universal, spiritual force that binds the universe, transcending individual relationships to encompass humanity and nature. Love is depicted...
Song of Myself
What does the phrase "you shall listen to all sides and filter them from yourself" mean in Song of Myself?
The phrase "you shall listen to all sides and filter them from yourself" in "Song of Myself" encourages individuals to value their own experiences over inherited knowledge or traditional authority....
Song of Myself
How would you describe the speaker in the poem "Song of Myself"?
The speaker in "Song of Myself" is Walt Whitman, or a persona he creates. He is portrayed as content with himself and life, celebrating his own existence. Despite his self-celebration, he presents...
Song of Myself
What is the meaning of "kelson" in Song of Myself?
In "Song of Myself," a "kelson" refers to a beam that stabilizes a ship, used metaphorically by Whitman to signify love as a fundamental force that stabilizes the world. This concept is part of the...
Song of Myself
How do the first four lines of section 14 in "Song of Myself" reflect Walt Whitman's poetic style?
The first four lines of section 14 reflect Whitman's style through themes of connection with nature, unity with the earth, and the purposeful existence of all life. He describes feeling invited by...
Song of Myself
What is the role of women in "Song of Myself"?
While Whitman tries to offer women an inclusive and expansive role as a distinct part of his celebration of all of humanity in "Song of Myself," he also falls into the sexual stereotyping common in...
Song of Myself
How does Whitman's "barbaric yawp" statement and his grass symbolism compare to Thoreau's ideas?
Whitman's "barbaric yawp" and grass symbolism reflect his poetic freedom and celebration of individuality, contrasting with Thoreau's more constrained and factual style. Whitman's use of alliteration...
Song of Myself
Which excerpts from Whitman's "Song of Myself" mention slavery and discrimination against women?
In "Song of Myself," Walt Whitman addresses themes of slavery in several sections. Section 10 mentions a runaway slave seeking refuge. Section 13 alludes to a free black man, indirectly referencing...
Song of Myself
How does Frost's "After Apple-Picking" compare to Whitman's "Song of Myself" in terms of their visions of nature?
Frost’s poem, “After Apple-Picking” exemplifies a newer and perhaps less certain vision of nature in comparison with Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” because Frost’s poem has a weary attitude about...
Song of Myself
How is the skipper depicted in section 33 of "Song of Myself"?
In section 33 of "Song of Myself," the skipper is depicted as a courageous hero who rescues passengers from a drifting steamship wreck. His bravery and determination are evident as he remains...
Song of Myself
What are some thesis statement examples for Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" involving the universal truth?
"Song of Myself" explores universal truths like identity, nature, and life's purpose through Whitman's free verse style and self-reflection. The poem, initially untitled, later became a personal...
Song of Myself
Does Song of Myself reflect the Romantic or Realistic worldview?
"Song of Myself" reflects a Romantic worldview, emphasizing the importance of nature, emotions, imagination, and individualism. It portrays nature as enchanting and explores diverse American...
Song of Myself
Which literary device does Whitman use to address the sea in this excerpt from "Song of Myself"?
In this excerpt from "Song of Myself," Walt Whitman uses the literary device of apostrophe. Apostrophe involves addressing an abstraction or personification that is not physically present, treating...
Song of Myself
How does Whitman's poetry in "Song of Myself" explore oppositions between men and women?
Binary oppositions between men and women in Song of Myself can be understood by allowing for the role of gender to change depending on the part of the poem that’s under investigation. In part 1,...
Song of Myself
What makes Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" a special piece of American literature?
Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" is a groundbreaking work in American literature due to its innovative free verse style that mirrors natural speech rhythms, making it more engaging when read aloud....
Song of Myself
What are the similarities and differences between Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" and Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self...
"Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman and "Self Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson both emphasize the importance of individualism and subjective experience, integral to the transcendentalist movement. They...
Song of Myself
What things are described as "not the Me myself" in "Song of Myself"? What does "come to me days & nights" mean?
In "Song of Myself," things described as "not the Me myself" include external influences like people, societal events, and personal experiences. These elements affect the speaker but do not define...
Song of Myself
What literary devices are used in this quote from section 46 of Song Of Myself: "No friend of mine takes ease in my...
In this quote, Whitman uses alliteration with the repetition of the "ch" sound in "chair" and "church" to emphasize his rejection of conventional attachments and beliefs. The imagery of "no chair, no...
Song of Myself
How do stanza 21 in "Song of Myself" and Margaret Fuller's "The Great Lawsuit" reflect Whitman's and Fuller's views...
In stanza 21 of “Song of Myself,” Walt Whitman presents himself as the poet of both men and women and declares that being a woman is just as great and sometimes greater than being a man. In “The...
Song of Myself
What emotions does the speaker harbor in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself"?
In "Song of Myself," the speaker harbors emotions and thoughts centered on the idea of the pluralistic individual. Walt Whitman expresses an expansive vision of identity as dynamic and multifaceted,...
Song of Myself
Comparison and Contrast of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" with Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself"
Both Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" promote themes of self-acceptance and individuality. Gaga's song focuses on embracing one's identity despite societal pressures,...
Song of Myself
What does the last line of part 1's final stanza suggest about the speaker's poetic creed?
The last line suggests the speaker's poetic creed aligns with transcendentalism, emphasizing trust in nature's inherent energy over societal constraints. This belief advocates for intuitive...