I Hear America Singing By Walt Whitman - 2049 Words

In Walt Whitman’s poem â€Å"I Hear America Singing†, one is exposed to an America seen by the eyes of a poet, essayist and journalist during the years of one of the most important times in American history, the Civil War. From 1819 to 1892, Whitman lived through many experiences, including the atrocities and successions of the Civil War, which not only lead to the establishment of his multiple accredited works, but also, the creation of the prideful, positive, jubilant image of America and its citizens in the poem â€Å"I Hear America Singing†. The poem exhibits these qualities through its free verse structure, repetition, and overall choice of words. Using free verse, Whitman demonstrates the kind of freedom the United States had won and continues to fight for, its rhythm not only attributes to this hidden meaning, but also creates a likeable tone for readers to interpret the poem in a non-forceful way; this allows one to read it leisurely. For example, this is shown especially in the last three lines of the poem, which say â€Å"Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else, The day what belongs to the day - at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly, Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.† This shows the empowerment of the gradual rise of democracy in citizens of America protesting and fighting for what they own and what they believe in not only as individuals, but also what they own as a nation. These lines exhibit the positive nature by notShow MoreRelatedLangston Hughes And I Hear America Singing By Walt Whitman940 Words   |  4 Pagesof the theme they are implying. In the contrast between the poems â€Å"I, too, sing America† by Langston Hughes, and â€Å"I hear America singing† by Walt Whitman it is clear that the two poets have very different point of views regarding American patriotism. Walt Whitman’s views on America’s joy and peace in his poems are very straightforward, while Langston Hughes poem--a response to Whitman’s--wants the reader to acknowledge what America should be like for everyone, including people of color such as himselfRead MoreWalt Whitman And Langston Hughes Analysis796 Words   |  4 PagesWalt Whitman and Langston Hughes. Two highly renowed poets. One of Whitmans most known poems, I Hear America Singing, is about living the American life; he explains multiple types of people in his piece of work and how they are all a part of America. Similar to this, Langston Hughes wrote the poem I, Too, Sing America, and in this, he includes African Americans, suggesting that Whitman left some people out. Also saying, that blacks are proud and just as big of a part of America as anyone elseRead MoreSimilarities And Similarities Between Langston Hughes And I Hear America Singing835 Words   |  4 Pagesthis paper I will be talking about the similarities and differences in the two different poems. The two poems were wr itten by two incredible poets and were probably one of the best in their lifetimes. The first poem is written by Walt Whitman and is called â€Å" I Hear America Singing†. The other poem is by Langston Hughes and is called â€Å"I, Too, Sing America† .Many people believe that Langston Hughes wrote his poem â€Å"I, Too, Sing America† in response to Walt Whitmans poem â€Å" I Hear America Singing†. SomeRead MoreDemocratic Individualism in Walt Whitman Poetry1663 Words   |  7 PagesWhitman’s Poetry Walt Whitman will remain as a well-known, superb poet. Clarence Brown stated, the words of someone speaking on Walt Whitman, â€Å"He is the only one of the conventionally recognized American poets who is worth reading† (37). Walt Whitman is a poet that writes with purpose. His poetry seems to attempt to teach the more desirable behavior and traits for Americans. It depicts the ideal American democrat, peace maker, and a well-rounded person, in general. Not that Walt Whitman is only aboutRead MoreThe Difference Between Langston Hughes And I Hear America Singing998 Words   |  4 PagesIn this essay I will be talking about the differences between Walt Whitmans poem â€Å" I Hear America Singing† and Langston Hughes poem â€Å" I, Too, Sing America†. I will also be giving my opinion on whether or not Langston Hughes is responding to Walt Whitmans poem. Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and a columnist from Joplin, Missour i. Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and a journalist from West Hills, New York. This is all just background informationRead More Carl Sandburg and How He was Influenced by Walt Whitman Essay1383 Words   |  6 PagesCarl Sandburg and How He was Influenced by Walt Whitman Carl Sandburg and Walt Whitman had very similar lives. They both came from working class families and neither one of them went to high school or graduated college. They learned from watching people and by reading books on their own. They both had a certain sense for the world that made them able to see what was going on around them and grasp its significance. Although Whitman was born sixty years before Sandburg there were still a lot ofRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem I Hear America Singing 994 Words   |  4 Pages Hughes versus Whitman Langston Hughes spoke and captivated the general struggles of an African American’s life during the 1900s through his poem, â€Å"I, Too.† Hughes’ points out the injustice of bigotry or one’s beliefs in America, and his overall message is saying that an African American’s hard work is just as noteworthy as any other American. In contrast, Walt Whitman, author of â€Å"I Hear America Singing,† speaks about the employed citizens of America. He gives honor to those who are living theirRead MoreWalt Whitman, Langston Hughes, And Tupac Shakur1088 Words   |  5 PagesWalt Whitman, Langston Hughes, and Tupac Shakur have a major role in English Literature, Even though they live during the different time periods from different backgrounds, and they all have written many poems about the American dream. When it comes to the American dream, people have different points of view on the topic. Many people believe that American dream is about all American citizens having equal rights and opportunities to achieve the success through hard work. On the other hand, many peopleRead MoreCompare And Contrast Langston Hughes And I Hear America Singing753 Words   |  4 PagesAmerica Singing Slavery was a time of despair and great pain for many African Americans. Americans today hold a much different view on slavery than all of their ancestors. Slavery is not only suggested but it is illegal completely and very immoral. Back then, blacks and some whites fought to end slavery. The 246 years of black enslavement finally came to an end on December 6, 1865. Many people used art, writing, and music as a way to express themselves during this hard time. Walt Whitman, an AmericanRead MoreI Hear America Singing By Langston Hughes991 Words   |  4 PagesAfrican American’s life during the 1900s through his poem, â€Å"I, Too.† Hughes’ points out the injustice of bigotry or one’s beliefs in America, and his overall message is saying that an African American’s hard work is just as noteworthy as any other American. In contrast, Walt Whitman, author of â€Å"I Hear America Singing,† speaks about the employed citizens of America. He gives hono r to those who are living their lives and working to make America a better place. Despite the fact that both poems are similar