Question

In what way does “Song of Myself” reflect Whitman’s brand of American epic poetry?

Answer 1

Answer:

B). Whitman celebrates the common person.

Explanation:

Whitman modernized the 'epic poetry' and 'Song of Myself' reflects his brand of American epic poetry as it is categorized as one of the longest poems with a common theme of the celebration of common people(mankind in general) and their life. As the title of the poem itself suggests glorification of human life.

The poem is an admiration for the joy proposed by experiencing nature and the ability of an individual to unify their selves with nature(transcendent experience). The poem is described as proposing 'poetic meditation' as it analyzes the functioning of the human mind. Thus, option B is the correct answer as it proposes Whitman's style of American 'epic poetry.

Answer 2

The correct answer is option C. "Whitman celebrates only nature". Walt Whitman was a transcendentalist writer that believed that God, humans and nature are all connected. His poem "Song of Myself", include this theme celebrating the greatness of nature such as the line "What is grass?" comparing the grass as an analogy to the cycle of life and death.