Walt Whitman
1I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.
I loafe and invite my soul,
5I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.
My tongue, every atom of my blood, form'd from this soil, this air,
Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same,
I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin,
Hoping to cease not till death.
10Creeds and schools in abeyance,
Retiring back a while sufficed at what they are, but never forgotten,
I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard,
Nature without check with original energy.
Question
I loafe and invite my soul,
I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.
What implication is suggested in these two lines?
Responses
A Loafing is an inappropriate activity.Loafing is an inappropriate activity.
B Loafing is only appropriate for poets.Loafing is only appropriate for poets.
C Loafing is a neutral activity, neither good nor bad.Loafing is a neutral activity, neither good nor bad.
D Loafing is permissible, especially when studying nature.Loafing is permissible, especially when studying nature.
1 answer
The correct response is D: Loafing is permissible, especially when studying nature.
In these lines, Whitman describes a leisurely and contemplative state of being where he allows himself to "loafe" and observe nature. This suggests that loafing is not just acceptable but also valuable when it comes to engaging with the natural world and reflecting on one's existence.
