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
10 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,
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.
Poem 2
"I, Too, Sing America"
by Langston Hughes
1 I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
5 But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
10 When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.
15 Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am America.
Question 2 (1 point)
Listen
How does the organizational structure of "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman differ from that of "I, Too, Sing America" by Langston Hughes, and what does this difference contribute to their respective meanings and styles?
Question 2 options:
"I Hear America Singing" uses a list-like structure to celebrate diversity and individuality, while "I, Too, Sing America" employs a more narrative structure to convey a message of empowerment and inclusion.
Both poems have a similar structure, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, emphasizing unity.
"I Hear America Singing" has a fragmented structure, while "I, Too, Sing America" follows a chronological order, highlighting a journey of self-discovery.
Both poems have a linear structure that focuses on the poets' personal experiences without broader social implications.
Question 3 (1 point)
Listen
How does the description of the songs as "strong" in Line 3 of "I Hear America Singing" MOST impact the meaning of Poem 1?
Question 3 options:
It emphasizes the greatness of America, created through individual workers.
It demonstrates a hope for a brighter future, felt by American laborers when they finish their work.
It highlights the joy that American laborers feel as they complete their daily tasks.
It reveals the belief that America is only powerful as long as each worker contributes.
Question 4 (1 point)
Listen
Which theme is BEST conveyed in "I, Too, Sing America"?
Question 4 options:
Americans must make the effort to spend more time with their loved ones.
America must celebrate all of its members, not just a select group.
To Americans, health and happiness should be of greatest importance.
All people in America share similar experiences and lead similar lives.
Question 5 (1 point)
Listen
Part A: Which excerpt from "I, Too, Sing America" BEST supports the theme?
Question 5 options:
I, too, am America.
I am the darker brother.
Tomorrow,/ I'll be at the table
But I laugh,/And eat well,
Question 6 (1 point)
Listen
Part B: Which excerpt from "I Hear America Singing," BEST supports the theme from Part A?
Question 6 options:
"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,"
"Each singing what belongs to him or her and to no one else,"
"The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly"
Question 7 (1 point)
Listen
What structural element in "I, Too, Sing America" by Langston Hughes sets it apart from "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman, and how does this structural difference contribute to the poems' meanings and styles?
Question 7 options:
"I Hear America Singing" utilizes a list-like structure and celebrates diverse voices, whereas "I, Too, Sing America" incorporates a first-person narrative structure, defined by the speaker's personal experiences and emotions.
"I Hear America Singing" employs a rhyme scheme, while "I, Too, Sing America" uses free verse, highlighting their differing approaches to form.
Both poems employ a fragmented structure that reflects the fractured nature of American society.
Both poems follow a similar chronological structure, emphasizing the passage of time.
Question 8 (1 point)
Listen
How does the author use carols in the text to help develop the theme of "I Hear America Singing"?
Question 8 options:
The beauty of America grows as each worker contributes his or her own carol.
The American worker grows more powerful as he shares his or her own carol.
As each carol is introduced, more opportunities open up for Americans.
As each American worker sings a new carol, he or she becomes more effective at his or her job.
Question 9 (1 point)
Listen
How do the two narrators in each poem compare or contrast and how does this impact the tone of each poem?
Question 9 options:
Both narrators in the poems have similar perspectives, emphasizing unity, which creates a harmonious and celebratory tone.
In both poems, the narrators have a detached perspective, leading to a tone of indifference toward the diversity of American voices.
Both narrators have a pessimistic perspective, highlighting the challenges faced by marginalized voices in America, resulting in a tone of despair.
In "I Hear America Singing," the narrator has an inclusive perspective, celebrating the diversity of American voices, while in "I, Too, Sing America," the narrator's perspective is more assertive, reflecting a tone of determination and defiance against discrimination.
1 answer
Here are the responses to the questions based on the analysis of the poems "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman and "I, Too, Sing America" by Langston Hughes:
Question 2:
Answer: "I Hear America Singing" uses a list-like structure to celebrate diversity and individuality, while "I, Too, Sing America" employs a more narrative structure to convey a message of empowerment and inclusion.
Question 3:
Answer: It emphasizes the greatness of America, created through individual workers.
Question 4:
Answer: America must celebrate all of its members, not just a select group.
Question 5:
Answer: Tomorrow,/ I'll be at the table
Question 6:
Answer: "Each singing what belongs to him or her and to no one else."
Question 7:
Answer: "I Hear America Singing" utilizes a list-like structure and celebrates diverse voices, whereas "I, Too, Sing America" incorporates a first-person narrative structure, defined by the speaker's personal experiences and emotions.
Question 8:
Answer: The beauty of America grows as each worker contributes his or her own carol.
Question 9:
Answer: In "I Hear America Singing," the narrator has an inclusive perspective, celebrating the diversity of American voices, while in "I, Too, Sing America," the narrator's perspective is more assertive, reflecting a tone of determination and defiance against discrimination.
These responses should capture the essential differences and themes in Whitman's and Hughes's poems, illustrating their unique styles and messages.
1 answer