Read the quotation from "Song of Myself."

Question

I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable,
I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.

Which statement best describes how these lines reflect the general structure of the poem?
Just as the poem has a loose, open structure, these lines display personal freedom.
The lines reflect the difficult and impenetrable nature of certain parts of the poem.
The lines evoke the aggressive tones expressed elsewhere in the poem.
The lines indicate an attention to urban settings expressed elsewhere in the poem.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes how these lines reflect the general structure of the poem is:

Just as the poem has a loose, open structure, these lines display personal freedom.

These lines showcase the themes of individualism and the celebration of personal freedom, which align with the poem's overall loose and expansive style.

Answer 2

The sections of "Song of Myself" approach one subject from several different angles. How does this technique reflect the main theme of the poem?
It shows the complicated nature of the world.
It indicates the need for one to think deeply about one’s flaws.
It corresponds to the idea that the self is all-encompassing.
It supports the notion of concern for one’s friends and family.

Answer 3

The technique of approaching one subject from several different angles in "Song of Myself" reflects the main theme of the poem by:

It corresponds to the idea that the self is all-encompassing.

Walt Whitman emphasizes the interconnectedness of self with the universe, humanity, and nature, illustrating that the self is complex and multifaceted. This approach highlights the idea that there are many dimensions to one's identity and experience.

Answer 4

What is the most likely reason the author chose a free verse structure for "Song of Myself"?
Free verse suited the poet’s mood when he was writing the poem.
The poet had an obvious aversion to rhyme and meter.
A more open structure is often easier to manage than a formal one.
Free verse allowed for the expression of expansive ideas.

Answer 5

The most likely reason the author chose a free verse structure for "Song of Myself" is:

Free verse allowed for the expression of expansive ideas.

Walt Whitman's use of free verse enables him to explore themes of individuality, nature, and the interconnectedness of all things without the constraints of traditional rhyme and meter. This freedom aligns with the poem's overarching celebration of the self and the vastness of human experience.

Answer 6

Which statement best describes the theme of "Song of Myself"?
There is room for many experiences and, indeed, selves within one self.
Everyone should try as hard as they can to free their spirits and minds.
Close observation of the world is the key to understanding it.
Belief in one’s self should be the ultimate goal of one’s life.

Answer 7

The statement that best describes the theme of "Song of Myself" is:

There is room for many experiences and, indeed, selves within one self.

Walt Whitman emphasizes the complexity and multifaceted nature of identity and experience, celebrating the idea that each individual embodies a multitude of experiences and selves. This theme of inclusivity and the exploration of various perspectives is central to the poem.

Answer 8

Which characteristic makes "Song of Myself" a free verse poem?
the presence of a strong theme
the absence of a consistent rhythmic structure
the use of images from nature and everyday life
the presence of a definite voice

Answer 9

The characteristic that makes "Song of Myself" a free verse poem is:

the absence of a consistent rhythmic structure.

Free verse poetry does not adhere to a specific meter or rhyme scheme, allowing for greater flexibility and freedom in expression, which is a hallmark of Whitman's style in this poem.

Answer 10

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?
It emphasizes the narrator’s belief that every parcel of the Earth belongs to everyone.
It suggests that the narrator values science over spirituality.
It emphasizes the narrator’s belief that people should give away all of their belongings.
It suggests that the narrator values nature over material objects.

Answer 11

The effect of the word "atom" in this line and later in the poem is:

It emphasizes the narrator’s belief that every parcel of the Earth belongs to everyone.

By using the word "atom," Whitman conveys a sense of unity and interconnectedness among all people, suggesting that everything that makes up an individual is also shared by others, thus promoting a deep sense of equality and collective existence.