Question

1.) What is the BEST theme for "I Hear America Singing?"

Answer 1

In “I Hear America Singing,” the speaker describes various "carols" that arise from different figures in the American working class as people go about their work. He hears the mechanics, the carpenter, the mason, and the boatman singing. The deckhand, shoemaker, hatter, wood-cutter, and ploughboysing their own songs, as well. The speaker celebrates each individual song, which provides the connection between the worker and his/her task: for example, "the deckhand [sings] on the steamboat deck" and "the shoemaker [sings] as he sits on his bench." The speaker mentions the working women, as well. The mother and the young wife sing, as does the girl doing her sewing and washing. Each person in the poem has an individual carol, and together, they create the sound of "America Singing." says at http://www.gradesaver.com/walt-whitman-poems/study-guide/summary-i-hear-america-singing

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

1.'Praising the productivity of the individuals and being content with one's chosen occupation in life' is the dominating theme of the poem as Whitman praises the individual's work and displays joy in being productive.

2. 'All races of people are beautiful and should be considered a part of America' as Whitman felt that they all together constitute America and each plays their own part and admire their uniqueness and diversity.

3. There is no real difference in theme because Hughes' version "I, too" is inspired by Whitman's "I hear America singing". Both poems celebrate the freedom and uniqueness of individuals. Both the poems are an attempt to expel racism from America and celebrate togetherness and individuality.