ext 1: “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman
1 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,
5 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
10 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,
15 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.
1. How does the structure of “I Hear America Singing” contribute to its overall meaning? (RL 8.5)
A. The gradual increase in line length accentuates the important role that women play in creating
America’s strength.
B. The inconsistent line length emphasizes the novelty of each worker’s contribution to America.
C. The repeated references to songs develop the idea that each worker performs a similar function in
American society.
D. The list of a wide variety of workers highlights the unique contribution each worker makes to
America
1 answer
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