Question

comprehension check
complete the following items after you finish your first read.

1. in his preface to leaves of grass, how does whitman define america’s attitude toward the past?
2. in section 1 of “song of myself,” what does the speaker celebrate and sing?
3. in section 52 of “song of myself,” what does the speaker “bequeath” to the dirt?
4. cite three types of songs the speaker hears in “i hear america singing.”
5. according to the speaker in “on the beach at night alone,” what connects all things?
6. in the opening line of “america,” how does the speaker describe the nation?

research
research to clarify choose at least one unfamiliar detail from the text. briefly research that detail. in what way does the information you learned shed light on an aspect of walt whitman’s work?
research to explore conduct research to find out why whitman was regarded as a revolutionary writer in his time.

Explanation:

1. In the Preface to Leaves of Grass, Whitman sees America as respecting the past while also moving forward, building on its heritage to create a new, unique identity.
2. In Section 1 of "Song of Myself", the speaker celebrates himself and sings of himself, emphasizing self - awareness and the individual's connection to the world.
3. In Section 52 of "Song of Myself", the speaker bequeaths his own self, his essence, to the dirt, suggesting a return to nature and a cycle of life.
4. In "I Hear America Singing", the speaker hears the songs of mechanics, carpenters, and boat - men, among others, representing the diverse working classes of America.
5. In "On the Beach at Night Alone", the speaker suggests that love is what connects all things, providing a unifying force in the universe.
6. In the opening line of "America", the speaker describes the nation as a teeming, bustling entity full of energy and potential.

For the research parts:

• For "Research to Clarify", one could research an archaic term or a historical reference in Whitman's work. The new - found information might reveal more about the cultural or social context in which he wrote.
• For "Research to Explore", Whitman was revolutionary for his free - verse style, his celebration of the common man, and his open exploration of sexuality and the human body in his poetry, which was unconventional for his time.

Answer:

1. Whitman sees America respecting the past while forging a new identity.
2. The speaker celebrates and sings of himself.
3. The speaker bequeaths his self to the dirt.
4. Songs of mechanics, carpenters, boat - men.
5. Love connects all things.
6. The nation is described as teeming and full of energy.

Research to Clarify: Research an archaic term to understand cultural context.
Research to Explore: His free - verse, celebration of common man, and open sexuality exploration made him revolutionary.