Question

Langston Hughes's poem, "I, Too," is an important allusion to this famous American Transcendentalist author who in his work, Leaves of Grass, praises the diverse, and common voices that make America what it is.
Edgar Allen Poe


Ralph Waldo Emerson


Henry David Thoreau


Walt Whitman

Answer 1

Answer: Walt Whitman

Explanation:

Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was an American poet and writer, famous for his contribution to both transcendentalism and realism. His poetry collection, Leaves of Grass (1855), expresses his love of America and all its people. This is primarily seen in his poem "I Hear America Singing", in which the speaker listens to the songs of all the American people of different professions - the carpenter, the boatman, the mother, wife, the girl, etc. The poem celebrates the achievements of the American people, and the way they influence the culture of this country.

Similarly, in his poem "I, Too", Hughes states that he, too, can "sing America", which many interpret as a response to the above-mentioned Whitman's poem. The theme of patriotism is largely present in Hughes' poem, too. Although he defines himself as a "darker brother" ( as an African American), he celebrates American culture and all its diversity.