Question
I hear America sing
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,
The wood-cutter’s song, the ploughboy’s on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown,
The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.
Walt Whitman has been called the father of the free verse. What effect does this poetic form have on the poem overall?
write a SHORT response
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,
The wood-cutter’s song, the ploughboy’s on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown,
The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.
Walt Whitman has been called the father of the free verse. What effect does this poetic form have on the poem overall?
write a SHORT response
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Walt Whitman's use of free verse in "I Hear America Singing" creates a natural and flowing rhythm that mirrors the diverse voices and experiences of American workers. This form allows for an organic expression of individuality, as each line reflects the unique song of different professions and daily activities. By eschewing traditional meter and rhyme, Whitman emphasizes the authenticity and spontaneity of everyday life, celebrating the collective yet distinct contributions of each person to the larger tapestry of American identity. The free verse structure reinforces the poem's theme of democracy and the harmonious coexistence of varied voices.