Question

directions: select the choice that best answers the question.

1. based on the following passage from the preface to the 1855 edition of leaves of grass, identify what is most clearly suggested about whitmans attitude toward the past.

america does not repel the past or what it has produced under its forms or amid other politics or the idea of castes or the old religions... accepts the lesson with calmness... is not so impatient as has been supposed that the slough still sticks to opinions and manners and literature while the life which served its requirements has passed into the new life of the new forms.
a. whitman recognizes that americans learn from the past while making a new way of life.
b. whitman thinks that americans should include a study of the past in their education.
c. whitman wishes that americans would give more honor to traditions of the past.
d. whitman believes that americans have nothing to learn from the past.

1. what is the most accurate conclusion that readers can draw from these lines in the selection from song of myself?

i celebrate myself, and sing myself,
and what i assume you shall assume,
for every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.
a. whitman believes that he and the reader are american heroes.
b. whitman views all individuals as united by their common humanity.
c. whitman has a great appreciation for the accomplishments of science.
d. whitman thinks that his free verse is superior to traditional formal poetry.

1. the following question has two parts. answer part a first, and then part b.

part a: what does the speaker in the selection from song of myself mean when he says that he holds creeds and schools in abeyance?
a. he believes in the value of religious education.
b. he has temporarily let go of traditional teachings.
c. he is opposed to any type of formal education.
d. he thinks that americans of all creeds should attend school.

Explanation:

Question 8:

The passage states America accepts lessons from the past calmly while moving into a new life, which aligns with the idea that Americans learn from the past while making a new way of life.

Question 9:

The lines "For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you" show Whitman's view of unity among individuals through common humanity.

Question 10 Part A:

"Holding creeds and schools in abeyance" means temporarily setting aside traditional teachings.

Answer:

Question 8:

A. Whitman recognizes that Americans learn from the past while making a new way of life.

Question 9:

B. Whitman views all individuals as united by their common humanity.

Question 10 Part A:

B. He has temporarily let go of traditional teachings.