I Hear America Singing

Question 1

Summary.

Answer 1

• presents the poets’ vision of the democratic ideal, with each citizen contributing to the welfare of America
• no matter the occupation, each person contributes to the nation’s “varied carols”, showing the joy with which individuals create what Whitman envisions as the perfect nation

Question 2

Themes.

Answer 2

• work - America is a place where people find joy & fulfilment in productivity & honest labour
• American identity - individuals are both independent and part of a larger, harmonious collective
• democracy

Question 3

Ezra Greenspan; Whitman’s imagination of America.

Answer 3

• “Whitman imagined the dynamic power of the nation not as a geographical entity spreading westward but as an activity - and one of his favourite ones, at that: singing.”

Question 4

Robert Sabuda; what the poem celebrates.

Answer 4

“a lyrical celebration of the American spirit as it gives voice to the many faces of this land.”

Question 5

“varied carols”

Answer 5

• the speaker notes that the song America sings is actually many separate songs
• use of the word “carols” is intriguing in this context, as it is often used for religious songs
• suggests that Americans dedicate themselves to their country & work with a passion & devotion that approaches religious faith

Question 6

The “singers” the speaker describes are mechanics, carpenters, masons, boatmen, deckhands, shoemakers, hatters, woodcutters, ploughboys, mothers, young wives, & a girl sewing or washing.

Answer 6

Celebrates working Americans whose lives are humble & whose work is often difficult or physical.

Question 7

“each one singing his as it should be blithe & strong”

Answer 7

• cheerful
• “strong” underscores the speaker’s broader vision of America as a place where people find joy & fulfilment in their work

Question 8

The “singing” is an example of what technique?

Answer 8

• Metaphor
• On one hand, it represents the pride & joy that Americans take in their work.
• Also reflects the unity of America’s individual citizens, whose unique songs blend into a broader harmony.

Question 8

Lines 1 to 4 (mechanics, carpenter, mason) focuses on urban professions. Lines 5 to 8 (boatman, deckhand, wood-cutter, ploughboy) focuses on people who work at sea, on rivers, in forests, on farms, and in cities.

Answer 8

• the geography of the poem’s portrait of America expands
• the speaker specifically celebrates & elevates the jobs that often go unnoticed or under-appreciated by society

Question 9

“The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing”

Answer 9

• The speaker adds women to this vision of America.
• Women were typically considered as less important in society.
• However, the speaker still acknowledges that women contribute something essential to the American song.
• Potentially a radical move at the time, when women were largely barred from participating in politics.

Question 10

Lines 9 to 11:
“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.”

Answer 10

• Speaker shifts to talking about singing in more detail.
• Emphasis on individuality which is at the heart of American identity.
• Each worker has his or her own song.
• From their many separate songs, emerges a single America, with a uniquely American song.
• America is a place where one can be both highly independent & part of a collective.