AnswersCommon Core ELA 11 - ELA3011 CRRalph Waldo Emerson

Walt Whitman’s "Song of Myself" Answers

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Which statement best describes the way the sections in the excerpt from "Song of Myself" are constructed?

A
They represent the order of events in a long narrative.
B
They show unique sides of a universal worldview.
C
They reveal opposing sides of an ongoing argument.
D
They suggest that the poem has more than one speaker.
2
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Which characteristic makes "Song of Myself" a free verse poem?

A
the presence of a strong theme
B
the absence of a consistent rhythmic structure
C
the use of images from nature and everyday life
D
the presence of a definite voice
3

How do the images of travel in part 46 of "Song of Myself" contribute to the poem’s theme?

A
They suggest that human life is impermanent.
B
They show that growth involves a steady movement forward.
C
They remind readers that the poem is about journeying within one’s self.
D
They suggest expansiveness, or extending one’s reach outward.
4

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself."You will hardly know who I am or what I mean, But I shall be good health to you nevertheless, And filter and fibre your blood.Why does Whitman use such a simple phrase as “who I am or what I mean”?

A
He is concerned that readers won’t understand his poem.
B
He wants to communicate directly with readers.
C
He is unable to express his thoughts in any other style.
D
He wants to vary the language of the poem.
5

Read the excerpt from "Song of Myself."Long enough have you dream’d contemptible dreams,Now I wash the gum from your eyes,You must habit yourself to the dazzle of the light and of every moment of your life.Long have you timidly waded holding a plank by the shore,Now I will you to be a bold swimmer,To jump off in the midst of the sea, rise again, nod to me, shout, and laughingly dash with your hair.What theme is suggested by this excerpt?

A
People should be brave, take risks, and embrace all aspects of life.
B
People should be careful when taking chances that they can handle the outcome.
C
People should take the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds them each day.
D
People should be lighthearted and carefree and avoid taking life too seriously.
6

Read the quotation 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. Which statement best explains why Whitman chose the phrase “every atom” for the last line?

A
to emphasize the seriousness of his words
B
to suggest attention to detail, heightening trustworthiness
C
to remind readers to remember the basic makeup of natural objects
D
to remind readers to embrace a microscopic view of the natural world
7

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself."I loafe and invite my soul, I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.How do these lines reflect the poet’s general style?

A
They show the poet’s love of highly ornate language.
B
They reveal a formal, historical interpretation.
C
They show the poem’s relaxed, candid tone.
D
They reveal natural processes in painstaking detail.
8

Read the quotation from "Song of Myself."I have no chair, no church, no philosophy,I lead no man to a dinner-table, library, exchange,But each man and each woman of you I lead upon a knoll,My left hand hooking you round the waist,My right hand pointing to landscapes of continents and the public road.Which statement best describes how these lines reflect the theme of the poem?

A
They indicate that Whitman is more interested in communicating with individuals than society.
B
They show Whitman’s sociability and his interest in human nature.
C
They reflect Whitman’s desire to share his love of the wilderness.
D
They suggest that Whitman views all individuals as equals who should communicate with each other as such.
9

Which of the following statements best describes the effect of the long lines in "Song of Myself"?

A
They remind the reader of the speaker’s liberty and self-confidence.
B
They allow the poet to describe scenes in less detail.
C
They slow down the forward progression of the poem.
D
They increase the narrative quality of the poem.
10

Which statement best describes the theme of "Song of Myself"?

A
There is room for many experiences and, indeed, selves within one self.
B
Everyone should try as hard as they can to free their spirits and minds.
C
Close observation of the world is the key to understanding it.
D
Belief in one’s self should be the ultimate goal of one’s life.

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