Notes

-Read the line from "Song of Myself."

For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.

What is the effect of the word “atom” in this line and later in the poem?
ANS:It emphasizes the narrator’s belief that every parcel of the Earth belongs to everyone.

-Read the quotation from "Song of Myself."

I tramp a perpetual journey, (come listen all!)
How does the word “tramp” affect the tone of this line? ANS:It suggests the determination of the speaker.

-Which statement best describes the way the sections in the excerpt from "Song of Myself" are constructed? ANS:They show unique sides of a universal worldview.

-How do the images of travel in part 46 of "Song of Myself" contribute to the poem’s theme? ANS:They suggest expansiveness, or extending one’s reach outward.

-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? ANS:to emphasize the seriousness of his words

-Read the quotation from "Song of Myself."

It is not far, it is within reach,
Perhaps you have been on it since you were born and did not know,
Perhaps it is everywhere on water and on land.

Shoulder your duds dear son, and I will mine, and let us hasten forth,
Wonderful cities and free nations we shall fetch as we go.
In this quotation, the first stanza has a different style from the second section. What does this suggest about Whitman’s overall style in the poem? ANS:that Whitman’s style allows for various kinds of language

-Read the quotation from "Song of Myself."

I know I have the best of time and space, and was never measured and never will be measured.
How does this line support the theme of the poem?ANS:It reflects Whitman’s ideas about the capacity of the human spirit.

-What is the most likely reason the author chose a free verse structure for "Song of Myself"? ANS:Free verse allowed for the expression of expansive ideas.

-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? ANS:People should be brave, take risks, and embrace all aspects of life.

-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? ANS:They show the poem’s relaxed, candid tone.