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The poem "Song of Myself" was initially published as a standalone volume in 1855.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, "Song of Myself" was first published as an integral part of the inaugural 1855 edition of Walt Whitman's collection *Leaves of Grass*, not as a standalone volume.
Confirm the lifespan of Walt Whitman, the celebrated author of "Song of Myself," noting his birth and death years.
Answer: True
Explanation: Walt Whitman, the seminal American poet whose work includes the foundational poem "Song of Myself," lived from 1819 to 1892. This period situates his creative output within the broader context of 19th-century American literature.
The poem "Song of Myself" was titled "Walt Whitman" in the second edition of *Leaves of Grass*.
Answer: False
Explanation: The title "Walt Whitman" was applied to the poem in the third edition of *Leaves of Grass* (1860). The second edition, published in 1856, presented the poem under the title "Poem of Walt Whitman, an American."
The final title, "Song of Myself," was adopted in the 1856 edition of *Leaves of Grass*.
Answer: False
Explanation: The title "Song of Myself" was not adopted until the 1891-1892 edition of *Leaves of Grass*, the last one published during Whitman's lifetime. Earlier editions featured different titles, such as "Poem of Walt Whitman, an American" (1856) and "Walt Whitman" (1860).
The division of "Song of Myself" into fifty-two numbered sections occurred in the 1867 edition.
Answer: True
Explanation: The structural organization of "Song of Myself" into fifty-two numbered sections was indeed introduced in the fourth edition of *Leaves of Grass*, published in 1867.
The number of sections in the fourth edition of "Song of Myself" is believed to represent the number of days in a year.
Answer: False
Explanation: The fifty-two sections in the fourth edition of "Song of Myself" are generally interpreted not as days, but as corresponding to the number of weeks in a year, suggesting a cyclical or comprehensive structure.
The fifty-two sections in the fourth edition of "Song of Myself" are thought to symbolize the number of months in a year.
Answer: False
Explanation: The division into fifty-two sections in the fourth edition of "Song of Myself" is generally interpreted as symbolizing the number of weeks in a year, rather than months, suggesting a cyclical or comprehensive temporal structure.
What is the primary work that contains Walt Whitman's poem "Song of Myself"?
Answer: Leaves of Grass
Explanation: "Song of Myself" is a foundational poem within Walt Whitman's seminal collection, *Leaves of Grass*, which serves as the primary repository for this significant work.
Who personally financed and published the first edition of *Leaves of Grass* containing "Song of Myself"?
Answer: Walt Whitman
Explanation: Walt Whitman undertook the personal financing and publication of the inaugural 1855 edition of *Leaves of Grass*, which included the initial version of "Song of Myself."
Which title was used for "Song of Myself" in the third edition of *Leaves of Grass* (1860)?
Answer: Walt Whitman
Explanation: In the third edition of *Leaves of Grass*, published in 1860, the poem that would later be known as "Song of Myself" was titled "Walt Whitman."
What is the significance attributed to the fifty-two numbered sections in the fourth edition of "Song of Myself"?
Answer: They correspond to the number of weeks in a year, suggesting a cyclical structure.
Explanation: The division of "Song of Myself" into fifty-two sections in its fourth edition (1867) is widely interpreted as symbolizing the fifty-two weeks of a year, thereby suggesting a comprehensive or cyclical temporal framework for the poem.
"Song of Myself" is primarily written in a traditional sonnet form with a strict rhyme scheme.
Answer: False
Explanation: The poem "Song of Myself" is characterized by its use of free verse, deliberately eschewing the constraints of traditional forms like the sonnet and strict rhyme schemes in favor of a more organic, speech-like rhythm.
Whitman's use of free verse in "Song of Myself" was intended to make the poem less accessible to the general public.
Answer: False
Explanation: Whitman's adoption of free verse was a deliberate choice aimed at enhancing the poem's accessibility. By avoiding conventional poetic structures, he sought to create a more direct and relatable connection with a broad readership.
"Song of Myself" exclusively focused on spiritual and philosophical themes, avoiding any depiction of everyday life.
Answer: False
Explanation: While rich in spiritual and philosophical content, "Song of Myself" also incorporates specific and often gritty details from everyday American life, contributing to its multifaceted portrayal of existence.
The narrator's "I" in "Song of Myself" should be understood as a direct representation of Walt Whitman's personal identity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The "I" in "Song of Myself" functions as a poetic persona that transcends the specific biographical identity of Walt Whitman. It is presented as a universal voice capable of encompassing diverse experiences and perspectives.
Whitman addresses potential self-contradictions with the famous line, "I am large, I contain multitudes."
Answer: True
Explanation: Whitman directly confronts the complexity of the self and its potential internal contradictions by famously stating, "I am large, I contain multitudes," acknowledging the multifaceted nature of his poetic persona.
The "self" in "Song of Myself" is presented as a traditional epic hero.
Answer: False
Explanation: The "self" in "Song of Myself" is depicted as an ideal drawn from common people, diverging from the archetypal larger-than-life heroes typically found in epic poetry. Whitman finds heroism inherent in every individual.
The image caption mentions that "Song of Myself" includes a depiction of a multi-racial slave.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source material references an image caption indicating that "Song of Myself" contains a depiction related to a multi-racial slave, reflecting the complex social realities addressed in the poem.
"Song of Myself" is considered a minor work, not central to Walt Whitman's overall poetic vision.
Answer: False
Explanation: On the contrary, "Song of Myself" is widely regarded as a central and foundational work within Walt Whitman's poetic canon, embodying the core of his artistic vision and philosophy.
The "self" in "Song of Myself" is presented as a traditional, historical persona identical to Walt Whitman.
Answer: False
Explanation: The "self" in "Song of Myself" functions as a poetic persona that transcends the limitations of Walt Whitman's historical identity. It is presented as a universal voice capable of encompassing diverse experiences and perspectives, rather than a direct biographical representation.
Whitman uses lines like "In all people I see myself" to suggest the narrator's self is unique and isolated.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lines such as "In all people I see myself, none more and not one a barleycorn less" explicitly suggest the opposite: the narrator's self is universal and deeply interconnected with all humanity, rather than unique and isolated.
Whitman acknowledges internal contradictions by stating he is simple and contains only one core idea.
Answer: False
Explanation: Whitman famously acknowledges internal contradictions not by asserting simplicity, but by stating, "Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)" This highlights the expansive and complex nature of the self he portrays.
The "self" in "Song of Myself" is depicted as an ideal drawn from common people, not epic heroes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The "self" presented in "Song of Myself" is indeed depicted as an ideal derived from the experiences and essence of common people, contrasting with the traditional heroic figures of epic poetry, while still affirming the heroism inherent in every individual.
What literary style is characteristic of "Song of Myself"?
Answer: Free verse, deviating from traditional structures
Explanation: "Song of Myself" is primarily characterized by its use of free verse, a style that deliberately departs from conventional poetic structures, including regular meter and rhyme schemes.
How does the narrator's "self" in "Song of Myself" differ from the historical Walt Whitman?
Answer: It is a persona that transcends individual limitations and speaks universally.
Explanation: The "self" presented in "Song of Myself" functions as a poetic persona that extends beyond the historical Walt Whitman's individual identity, embodying a universal consciousness that speaks for humanity.
The line "For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you" suggests what about the narrator's self?
Answer: It is universal and inclusive of all people.
Explanation: This line powerfully conveys the universality and inclusivity of the narrator's self, suggesting a profound connection and shared essence between the speaker and all other individuals.
How does Whitman famously resolve the concept of internal contradictions within his expansive self?
Answer: By stating, "I am large, I contain multitudes."
Explanation: Whitman directly addresses the potential for internal contradictions by affirming the expansive nature of the self with the declaration, "I am large, I contain multitudes," embracing complexity and multiplicity.
What is identified as the core of Walt Whitman's poetic vision?
Answer: The poem "Song of Myself"
Explanation: The provided text identifies "Song of Myself" as the central work that embodies and represents the core of Walt Whitman's comprehensive poetic vision.
How is the "self" in "Song of Myself" described in contrast to traditional epic heroes?
Answer: As an idealized figure drawn from common people.
Explanation: The "self" in "Song of Myself" is presented as an ideal derived from the collective experience of common people, diverging from the archetypal larger-than-life heroes characteristic of traditional epic poetry.
What specific detail from pre-Civil War American society is mentioned in relation to "Song of Myself" in the image caption reference?
Answer: A depiction related to a multi-racial slave.
Explanation: The image caption reference points to a passage within "Song of Myself" that includes a depiction related to a multi-racial slave, highlighting the poem's engagement with the complex social dynamics of pre-Civil War America.
Transcendentalism significantly influenced "Song of Myself," particularly its themes of nature and inner divinity.
Answer: True
Explanation: The philosophical tenets of Transcendentalism, with its emphasis on the inherent divinity of nature and the individual, profoundly shaped "Song of Myself," evident in its exploration of these themes.
Besides Transcendentalism, "Song of Myself" also foreshadowed realism by including specific details of everyday life.
Answer: True
Explanation: In addition to its roots in Romanticism and Transcendentalism, "Song of Myself" anticipated the literary movement of realism through its incorporation of specific, often unvarnished, details from everyday life, a characteristic that would become more prominent in subsequent American literature.
Which philosophical movement, emphasizing nature and the divine within it, significantly influenced "Song of Myself"?
Answer: Transcendentalism
Explanation: Transcendentalism, with its focus on the spiritual in nature and the individual, exerted a significant influence on "Song of Myself," shaping its themes and philosophical underpinnings.
Which literary movement does "Song of Myself" anticipate, according to the source, due to its inclusion of specific, gritty details?
Answer: Realism
Explanation: By incorporating specific and sometimes unvarnished details of everyday life, "Song of Myself" is noted for foreshadowing the literary movement of realism, which gained prominence in American literature following the Civil War.
Upon its 1855 publication, "Song of Myself" was immediately hailed as a minor, unremarkable piece within American literature.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, "Song of Myself," upon its 1855 debut, garnered significant attention and was recognized as a distinguished and influential work, not a minor one.
Jay Parini, in 2011, recognized "Song of Myself" as the greatest American poem ever written.
Answer: True
Explanation: The literary scholar and writer Jay Parini indeed lauded "Song of Myself" in 2011, designating it as the preeminent American poem ever composed.
The *Christian Spiritualist* published a negative review of "Song of Myself" in 1855, criticizing its style.
Answer: False
Explanation: The review published in the *Christian Spiritualist* in 1855 was notably positive, commending Whitman's "new poetic mediumship" and his perception of the divine through imagination.
Ralph Waldo Emerson admired Whitman's poem and sent him a letter praising its "wit and wisdom."
Answer: True
Explanation: Ralph Waldo Emerson, a prominent figure in American letters, expressed his admiration for Whitman's work by sending a letter that specifically praised the poem's "wit and wisdom."
Public acceptance of "Song of Myself" was rapid due to its conventional themes and language.
Answer: False
Explanation: Public acceptance of "Song of Myself" was notably slow, largely because its unconventional themes and explicit language challenged the prevailing social and literary norms of the era, rather than conforming to them.
In 1882, Boston's district attorney threatened legal action against *Leaves of Grass* due to its perceived violation of obscenity laws.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, in 1882, the district attorney of Boston initiated legal proceedings against *Leaves of Grass*, citing alleged violations of obscenity statutes and demanding revisions to the text.
Alice L. Cook argues that the "self" in the poem is purely individual.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alice L. Cook's interpretation posits that the "self" in "Song of Myself" is characterized as being "both individual and universal," rather than purely individual.
John B. Mason views the reader's role as passively observing the poet's journey.
Answer: False
Explanation: John B. Mason interprets the reader's engagement not as passive observation, but as an active participation in the poet's journey, moving from a singular, personal perspective toward a broader, cosmic understanding.
Richard Maurice Bucke analyzed "Song of Myself" as part of his work on *Cosmic Consciousness*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Richard Maurice Bucke, a physician and associate of Whitman, incorporated an analysis of "Song of Myself" into his significant 1898 work, *Cosmic Consciousness*, exploring themes of human spiritual evolution.
Alice L. Cook interprets Whitman's "self" as exclusively universal, detached from individual experience.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alice L. Cook's analysis posits that the "self" in "Song of Myself" is fundamentally characterized as "both individual and universal," integrating personal experience with a broader cosmic scope, rather than being exclusively universal.
John B. Mason describes the reader's engagement as moving from a cosmic perspective towards personal experience.
Answer: False
Explanation: John B. Mason's interpretation suggests the reader's journey within "Song of Myself" involves a movement from the singular, personal experience towards a broader, cosmic understanding, rather than the reverse.
Which publication praised Whitman's "new poetic mediumship" in an 1855 review of "Song of Myself"?
Answer: The *Christian Spiritualist*
Explanation: The *Christian Spiritualist* published a laudatory review in 1855, commending Whitman's "new poetic mediumship" and his capacity to perceive the divine through active imagination.
What reason is given for the slow public acceptance of "Song of Myself" despite critical acclaim?
Answer: Its explicit depictions of sexuality offended social conservatives.
Explanation: Despite initial critical praise, "Song of Myself" faced slow public acceptance primarily because its explicit explorations of sexuality were deemed offensive by social conservatives, challenging prevailing moral standards.
In 1882, what specific legal threat did Boston's district attorney make regarding *Leaves of Grass*?
Answer: Threatened legal action over obscenity laws, demanding revisions.
Explanation: In 1882, Boston's district attorney threatened legal action against *Leaves of Grass*, specifically citing alleged violations of obscenity laws and demanding that certain passages be revised.
According to Alice L. Cook, what is the fundamental characteristic of the "self" presented in "Song of Myself"?
Answer: It is both individual and universal.
Explanation: Alice L. Cook posits that the central characteristic of the "self" in "Song of Myself" is its dual nature: it is simultaneously individual and universal, encompassing personal experience within a broader cosmic context.
In the film *With Honors*, the character Simon Wilder recites "Song of Myself."
Answer: True
Explanation: The film *With Honors* features the character Simon Wilder reciting lines from "Song of Myself," highlighting the poem's presence and influence within cinematic narratives.
The film *Dead Poets Society* features a line about a "barbaric yawp" from "Song of Myself."
Answer: True
Explanation: Peter Weir's film *Dead Poets Society* incorporates a reference to the "barbaric yawp," a phrase originating from section 52 of Whitman's "Song of Myself," underscoring its cultural resonance.
The "Whitman Alabama" project involved residents reading verses from Whitman's poetry on camera.
Answer: True
Explanation: The "Whitman Alabama" project was a documentary initiative wherein individuals from Alabama participated by reading passages from Walt Whitman's poetry on camera, fostering community engagement with his work.
Lauren Gunderson's play *I and You* does not prominently feature "Song of Myself."
Answer: False
Explanation: Lauren Gunderson's play *I and You* is centrally focused on and prominently features Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself," with the poem forming the core of its narrative structure.
The band Nightwish was inspired by "Song of Myself" for their 2011 album *Imaginaerum*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The symphonic metal band Nightwish drew significant inspiration from "Song of Myself" for their 2011 album, *Imaginaerum*, and its accompanying film project.
In the 2020 movie *Nine Days*, the lead character recites "Song of Myself" at the beginning of the film.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the 2020 film *Nine Days*, the lead character enacts "Song of Myself" not at the beginning, but during the film's climactic final scene.
The quote "I contain multitudes" from "Song of Myself" is featured in the 2025 film *The Life of Chuck*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2025 film *The Life of Chuck* prominently incorporates the renowned quote "I contain multitudes," originating from section 51 of Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself," as a significant thematic element.
Bob Dylan's 2020 song "I Contain Multitudes" shares its title with a line from "Song of Myself."
Answer: True
Explanation: Bob Dylan's 2020 musical composition, "I Contain Multitudes," derives its title directly from a famous line found in section 51 of Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself," establishing a clear literary connection.
Which film features the character Simon Wilder delivering lines from "Song of Myself"?
Answer: With Honors
Explanation: The film *With Honors* includes a notable scene where the character Simon Wilder recites passages from Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself."
In Peter Weir's *Dead Poets Society*, what phrase from "Song of Myself" is referenced?
Answer: The barbaric yawp
Explanation: The film *Dead Poets Society* references the phrase "the barbaric yawp," which originates from section 52 of Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself."
Which young adult novel by John Green integrates "Song of Myself" into its plot?
Answer: Paper Towns
Explanation: John Green's young adult novel *Paper Towns* (2008) incorporates Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" as a significant element within its narrative structure.
Lauren Gunderson's play prominently centered around "Song of Myself" is titled:
Answer: I and You
Explanation: The play *I and You*, authored by Lauren Gunderson, is prominently centered around and deeply engages with Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself."
What connection does the source note between Bob Dylan's 2020 song and "Song of Myself"?
Answer: The song's title, "I Contain Multitudes," is from the poem.
Explanation: The source indicates that Bob Dylan's 2020 song "I Contain Multitudes" derives its title directly from a famous line within section 51 of Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself."
Which symphonic metal band was significantly inspired by "Song of Myself" for their 2011 album *Imaginaerum*?
Answer: Nightwish
Explanation: The symphonic metal band Nightwish drew substantial inspiration from "Song of Myself" for their 2011 album, *Imaginaerum*, and its associated multimedia projects.
In the 2020 film *Nine Days*, where does the lead character enact "Song of Myself"?
Answer: In the film's climactic final scene.
Explanation: Within the narrative of the 2020 film *Nine Days*, the lead character recites or enacts "Song of Myself" during the film's climactic final scene.