Walt Whitman’s "Song of Myself"

Question 1

What do you notice about the structure?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Alternating lines are about the same length and all end with a dash.

Question 2

What do you notice about the words at the end of lines two and four?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

They are near but imperfect rhymes.

Question 3

What impact does the use of dashes have on the rhythmic structure of this poem?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

The dashes create a slow rhythm that is pleasant for the reader.

Question 4

How are the images in the first and second stanzas different?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

The first is dreary; the second is cheerful.

Question 5

What do the contrasting images reveal about the tone of the speaker?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

The speaker is optimistic.

Question 6

Which statement about the rhythmic structure of the excerpt is true?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

It mimics a slow and cautious walking rhythm.

Question 7

The images reveal that the poem is about

Revolt · Accepted Answer

the joy that follows a struggle.

Walt Whitman’s "Song of Myself" Answers