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 Name: __________________________________ Class: _______________________________ I Hear America Singing From Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman Published in 1860 Walt Whitman is a famous American poet who is often called the father of the “free verse” style of poetry who wrote during the time of urbanization in America. As you read the article below, consider the mood of the poem and decide, w ho is the hero of “I Hear America Singing”? 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, 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 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, 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. “I Hear America Singing” is in the public domain. Text-­‐Based Questions: Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences. 1. Who is the hero of this poem? Support your answer with evidence from the text. ________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________ 2. What kind of America does the author imagine in this poem? Support your answer with evidence from the text. ________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________ 3. Pick three images from the poem and explain what each one represents. ________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________ 4. Walt Whitman has been called the father of the free verse. What effect does this poetic form have on the poem overall? ________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________ Discussion Questions: Directions: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared to share your original ideas in a class discussion. 1. Why is it significant that Walt Whitman discusses the mechanic, carpenter, mason, and boatman? What is his point? 2. Compare this poem with your vision of America today. Using supporting evidence, answer this question: How has America changed over time?