"I Hear America Singing"

1. Why does the speaker say that each person's singing should be blithe and strong?

He is showing that America singing, and are active, he is putting them into a good light. If the singing were weak and worried then he would be putting America into a whole different view. He is showing that although united they are all individual and unique.

2. The whole poem can be viewed as a catalogue. What is Whitman celebrating with this list?

He is celebrating America as a whole. He is celebrating how everyone is different and how they all have different opportunities and how everyone is American no matter where they came from and that they enjoy their work.

3.  Perhaps what Whitman has in mind here are not actual work songs associated with various trades, but something more subtle. What would you say this poem is really about?

I would say that this poem is how that even though everyone has a different job and a different song, they are all united and assist each other. They are all American no matter what their job is.

4. Would you say that Whitman is romanticizing or idealizing the life of the 19th Century laborer? Or would you say the songs he hears are expressions of independence and joy in life? Support your answers with specific references to the poem.

I would say that Whitman is romanticizing and idealizing the life of the 19^th century laborer, because most people would not sing on their way to or from work, and that not everyone thought of each other as an American or equal.

 

 

 

Diction:

Blith - common

Robust – unique, strong

Delecious

Melodious

Hear

Each

 

Images:

Delicious singing of the mother – gustatory, and auditory

Varied carols – auditory

Singing with open mouths - visual, auditory

Party of fellows – visual

Morning, Noon, sundown – visual, tactile

Deckhand singing – visual, auditory

 

PRIMARY IMAGE is sound.

 

A lot of words beginner with “The” parralesm, creates rhyme

Subject is the American the working class

Everything is in present tense and showing activity

Theme||||||| we are the best, unity, idividualism