English Test 2

What poetic style is Walt Whitman known for using?

Free verse, cataloging (long lists), repetition, and parallel structure.

What is the central metaphor in “I Hear America Singing”?

“Singing” represents pride, identity, and unity in American workers.

What does Whitman emphasize in “Song of Myself”?

Unity of all people, rebirth through nature (grass), and the universal self.

What symbol in “Song of Myself” represents democracy and rebirth?

Grass.

What are common stylistic features of Dickinson’s poetry?

Short lines, slant rhyme, dashes, random capitalization, and paradoxes.

How is Death portrayed in “Because I Could Not Stop for Death”?

As a polite carriage driver taking the speaker on a symbolic ride through life and into eternity.

What life stages are symbolized in “Because I Could Not Stop for Death”?

School (youth), grain fields (maturity), and sunset (old age/death).

In “I Heard a Fly Buzz – When I Died,” what does the fly symbolize?

The mundane or doubt, interrupting the expected peaceful moment of death.

What poetic devices are most important in “I Heard a Fly Buzz – When I Died”?

Imagery (stillness, fading light), symbolism (fly), tone (eerie and quiet).

What are key themes in Whitman’s poetry?

Democracy, individuality, nature, the sacredness of the body, and unity.

What are key themes in Dickinson’s poetry?

Death, immortality, inner life, nonconformity, and hope.

What is the tone difference between Whitman and Dickinson overall?

Whitman is bold and outwardly expressive; Dickinson is inward, reflective, and concise.

How does the speaker perceive death in “Because I Could Not Stop for Death”?

Death is calm, polite, and inevitable — a gentle transition, not something to fear.

How does the speaker in “I Heard a Fly Buzz – When I Died” challenge the typical view of dying?

Instead of a peaceful or spiritual moment, death is interrupted by something normal — a fly — which shows doubt or confusion.

What action in “Reconciliation” symbolizes forgiveness and healing?

The speaker gently touches the dead enemy’s face to show forgiveness, showing that war is tragic and peace is better.

How does Whitman express unity in “Song of Myself”?

By blurring the line between self and others, and using images of nature (like grass) to show all people are connected in life and death.

Why is “singing” an important symbol in “I Hear America Singing”?

It represents joyful self-expression, pride in labor, and the harmony of diverse American identities.

In “Song of Myself,” how does the speaker view himself and others?

The speaker sees himself as connected to all people and nature — he is everyone and everything.

What does grass symbolize in “Song of Myself”?

Rebirth, equality, democracy, and the continuous cycle of life and death.

How does “I Hear America Singing” reflect American identity?

It celebrates working-class Americans and their individuality, showing pride and unity through diverse “songs.”

What literary technique is used in “I Hear America Singing” to list jobs?

Cataloging — a long list of specific roles to represent many voices.

What is the tone of “Beat! Beat! Drums!” and what is its purpose?

Urgent and forceful — meant to show how war disrupts everyday life and demands attention.

How does “Beat! Beat! Drums!” portray war’s impact?

War interrupts everything — school, church, sleep — no one is left untouched.

In “A March in the Ranks Hard-Prest,” what is the setting and emotional tone?

A chaotic battlefield and field hospital; the tone is haunting, weary, and reflective.

What theme is central to “A March in the Ranks Hard-Prest”?

The human cost of war and the emotional burden soldiers carry.

What specific action in “Reconciliation” symbolizes forgiveness?

The speaker kneels and touches the dead enemy’s face, showing love and healing after war.

What is the message of “Reconciliation”?

That love and peace must follow war; even enemies are human and deserve dignity in death.

What interrupts the speaker’s death in “I Heard a Fly Buzz – When I Died”?

A buzzing fly — a small, ordinary thing that disrupts the expected peace of dying.

What does the fly symbolize in “I Heard a Fly Buzz – When I Died”?

Doubt, decay, and the unexpected reality of death.

How does the speaker feel about death in “Because I Could Not Stop for Death”?

Calm and accepting — Death is personified as a polite carriage driver who takes her on a journey.

What do the carriage ride’s stops represent in “Because I Could Not Stop for Death”?

The stages of life: childhood (school), maturity (grain), and old age/death (sunset).

What is the tone of “I Dreaded That First Robin, So”?

Resigned, melancholy — the speaker dreads the return of spring because it contrasts with her grief.

Why does the speaker fear spring in “I Dreaded That First Robin, So”?

Because nature’s rebirth reminds her of personal loss and emotional death.

What belief is expressed in “I Never Saw a Moor”?

Faith doesn’t require physical evidence — the speaker trusts in things she’s never seen.

What theme does “I Never Saw a Moor” express?

Belief and understanding without proof — spiritual or inner certainty.