Whitman's "Song Of Myself"

1. I loaf and invite my soul. I lean and loaf at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.

A. People should not interfere with nature.

B. Observation of nature is a valuable activity.

C. Only lazy people have time to enjoy nature.

The statement "I loaf and invite my soul" suggests that the speaker is taking the time to relax and enjoy nature. By observing a spear of summer grass, they are engaging in the valuable activity of observing nature. This implies that the act of observing nature is seen as important and worthwhile, supporting the answer choice b. Observation of nature is a valuable activity.

Explanation

The statement "I loaf and invite my soul" suggests that the speaker is taking the time to relax and enjoy nature. By observing a spear of summer grass, they are engaging in the valuable activity of observing nature. This implies that the act of observing nature is seen as important and worthwhile, supporting the answer choice b. Observation of nature is a valuable activity.

2. Do I contradict myself? / Very well then I contradict myself, / (I am large, I contain multitudes.)

A. People who contradict themselves are phony hypocrites.

B. To feel shame for being overweight is a foolish contradiction.

C. The human spirit is capable of contradictions, which is no bad thing.

The given answer suggests that the statement "Do I contradict myself? / Very well then I contradict myself, / (I am large, I contain multitudes.)" implies that the human spirit is capable of contradictions, and this is not necessarily a negative characteristic. It acknowledges that contradictions are a natural part of human nature and can be seen as a positive aspect, allowing for complexity and growth.

Explanation

The given answer suggests that the statement "Do I contradict myself? / Very well then I contradict myself, / (I am large, I contain multitudes.)" implies that the human spirit is capable of contradictions, and this is not necessarily a negative characteristic. It acknowledges that contradictions are a natural part of human nature and can be seen as a positive aspect, allowing for complexity and growth.

3. The wild gander leads his flock through the cool night, Ya-honk he says, and sounds it down to me like an invitation.

A. Wild creatures can inspire a sense of adventure in people.

B. People are essentially followers, looking for a strong leader.

C. Birds are unpleasant creatures that send secret messages few humans can understand.

The passage describes a wild gander leading its flock through the night and calling out "Ya-honk" as an invitation. This suggests that wild creatures, like the gander, can inspire a sense of adventure in people. The mention of the cool night and the invitation-like call of the gander implies a sense of excitement and the potential for exploration and discovery. Therefore, the correct answer is a. Wild creatures can inspire a sense of adventure in people.

Explanation

The passage describes a wild gander leading its flock through the night and calling out "Ya-honk" as an invitation. This suggests that wild creatures, like the gander, can inspire a sense of adventure in people. The mention of the cool night and the invitation-like call of the gander implies a sense of excitement and the potential for exploration and discovery. Therefore, the correct answer is a. Wild creatures can inspire a sense of adventure in people.

4. I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin, Hoping to cease not till death.

A. Life is an active business, not a passive one.

B. Good health is essential to leading a good life.

C. As one grows older, one naturally slows down.

The given answer suggests that the speaker, who is thirty-seven years old and in perfect health, expresses their determination to continue living actively until death. This implies that life should be lived actively and not passively, indicating that option a, "Life is an active business, not a passive one," is the correct explanation. The answer emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in life rather than slowing down or relying solely on good health.

Explanation

The given answer suggests that the speaker, who is thirty-seven years old and in perfect health, expresses their determination to continue living actively until death. This implies that life should be lived actively and not passively, indicating that option a, "Life is an active business, not a passive one," is the correct explanation. The answer emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in life rather than slowing down or relying solely on good health.

5. There are really the thoughts of all men in all ages and lands, they are not original with me, / If they are not yours as much they are mine they are nothing, or next to nothing.

A. Any individual's voice is a humble voice, prone to error.

B. The human soul is essentially the same in every time and place.

C. If poetry does not express new ideas and feelings, it is worthless.

The given answer, c. If poetry does not express new ideas and feelings, it is worthless, aligns with the statement "There are really the thoughts of all men in all ages and lands, they are not original with me." This suggests that the thoughts expressed in poetry are not unique to the poet, but rather a reflection of universal human experiences. Therefore, if poetry does not offer new ideas and feelings, it adds no value as it fails to provide a fresh perspective or evoke emotions in the reader.

Explanation

The given answer, c. If poetry does not express new ideas and feelings, it is worthless, aligns with the statement "There are really the thoughts of all men in all ages and lands, they are not original with me." This suggests that the thoughts expressed in poetry are not unique to the poet, but rather a reflection of universal human experiences. Therefore, if poetry does not offer new ideas and feelings, it adds no value as it fails to provide a fresh perspective or evoke emotions in the reader.