I Hear America Singing: Walt Whitman's Hymn To The Common Man

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“I Hear America Singing” : Walt Whitman’s Hymn to the Common Man Early nineteenth century American poet Walt Whitman expresses his love of individuality and the working class (Luckett). Throughout Whitman’s writing, he often portrays an ideal America he sees in the present and would like to see in the future (“I Hear America Singing”). The poet uses metaphor and a cheerful tone to convey to the reader the importance of working class people around the country. Whitman’s classic poem, “I Hear America Singing,” displays the beauty Whitman sees of America by emphasizing the common man and women. Whitman, born to an early nineteenth century working class family, was able to relate to the common people who inspired his writings (Luckett). Whitman …show more content…

Whitman illustrates working class Americans in “I Hear America Singing” as being the fabric and backbone of America (Explanation: I Hear America Singing). Whitman leaves out detailing the work of the upper class from “I Hear America Singing” revealing that he clearly sees America as a country and government for the common people (Explanation: I Hear America Singing). The title of the poem itself eludes that Whitman can “hear America singing” the “varied carols (line 1)” of America through the working people (Explanation: I Hear America Singing). Whitman also includes and describes the “singing of the mother,” the “young wife at work,” and the “girl sewing or washing, (8)” showing that women should be included in a perfect America even though social norms have differing opinions. (Plot Summary: I Hear America Singing). “I Hear America Singing” is a poem that is deeply American and democratic (Criticism: I Hear America Singing). Whitman envisions a democracy ran by the strong and free spirited working people of the country who should not have their country run by wealthy elites (Criticism: I Hear America Singing). Whitman includes himself into “I Hear America Singing” reserving a place for himself in the great America, for and by the people, that he wants to build (Explanation: I Hear America Singing).

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