Song of Myself
Short Questions with Answers
1. Who is the speaker in the poem?
Answers : The speaker is the poet, Walt Whitman.
2. What does the poet celebrate?
Answers : The poet celebrates himself and his individuality.
3. How old is the speaker?
Answers : The speaker is thirty-seven years old.
4. What does the poet assume about others?
Answers : The poet assumes that every atom belonging to him also belongs to others.
5. What does the poet observe in summer?
Answers : The poet observes a spear of summer grass.
6. What has formed the speaker’s blood?
Answers : The speaker’s blood is formed from the soil and air of the earth.
7. What is meant by “creeds in abeyance”?
Answers : It means setting aside religious beliefs temporarily.
8. What does the poet hope to do?
Answers : The poet hopes to live and celebrate life until death.
9. What does the poet mean by “nature without check”?
Answers : It means nature is free and full of energy.
10. What relation does the poet establish between “me” and “you”?
Answers : The poet says that every atom of him is shared with others, showing unity.
11. What does the poet say about creeds and schools?
Answers : The poet accepts them but does not let them dominate his thoughts.
12. Why does the poet sing of himself?
Answers : The poet sings of himself to celebrate his life and individuality.
13. What does the poet mean by “retiring back a while”?
Answers : It means stepping back temporarily to reflect.
14. What is the theme of the poem?
Answers : The theme is celebrating individuality and the connection between humans.
15. Why does the poet permit thoughts to speak freely?
Answers : The poet believes in expressing both good and bad thoughts without fear.
Medium Questions with Answers
1. What does the poet mean by “every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you”?
Answers : The poet means that all humans are connected through a shared essence. Each atom in his body is the same as in others, symbolizing equality. This highlights the unity between people. It reflects Whitman’s belief in universal brotherhood.
2. Why does the poet talk about observing summer grass?
Answers : Observing summer grass symbolizes the poet’s deep connection to nature. It shows his ability to find beauty and meaning in simple things. The grass represents life, growth, and renewal. This reflects the poet’s philosophy of appreciating natural harmony.
3. What does the poet say about his origin?
Answers : The poet says his blood and body are formed from the earth’s soil and air. He emphasizes his bond with nature and the environment. This shows that he considers himself an inseparable part of the natural world. It reflects his respect for life and its cycles.
4. Why does the poet place creeds and schools in abeyance?
Answers : The poet sets aside religious and intellectual beliefs to explore his individuality. He does not reject them but chooses to think freely for self-expression. This shows his desire to focus on personal truths over societal teachings. It reflects his independence and openness to life.
5. What does “nature without check with original energy” mean?
Answers : The poet describes nature as free, raw, and full of life. He admires its unrestrained beauty and power, which exist without human interference. This phrase celebrates nature’s pure and original form. It reflects the poet’s belief in living naturally and authentically.
6. What is the poet’s view on life?
Answers : The poet sees life as a journey to be celebrated and enjoyed fully. He believes in living with purpose and energy until death. This reflects his optimism and appreciation for existence. His view encourages embracing life’s experiences wholeheartedly.
7. Why does the poet allow both good and bad thoughts?
Answers : The poet accepts both good and bad thoughts as part of life’s complexity. He believes expressing all emotions without fear is essential for growth. This reflects his open-minded and balanced approach to life. It shows his belief in embracing reality.
8. How does the poet establish a bond between humans?
Answers : The poet says that every atom of his body belongs to others too. This creates a shared connection, emphasizing unity and equality among people. It reflects his belief in universal brotherhood. The poet sees humanity as one large family.
9. What does the poet say about beliefs?
Answers : The poet respects creeds and schools but does not let them dominate his thinking. He sets them aside temporarily to focus on personal freedom. This reflects his independent and reflective nature. The poet values self-expression over rigid traditions.
10. How does the poet connect with nature?
Answers : The poet connects with nature by observing and celebrating it deeply. He finds harmony between himself and the natural world. This connection shows his respect for life’s cycles and nature’s beauty. It reflects his belief in unity with the environment.
Long Questions with Answers
1. What is the main theme of the poem?
Answers : The poem’s main theme is celebrating individuality and the connection between all humans. The poet emphasizes that every atom of one person belongs to others, symbolizing unity and equality. He also celebrates nature’s raw energy and beauty. The poem encourages self-expression and appreciation of life.
2. Why does the poet celebrate himself in the poem?
Answers : The poet celebrates himself to highlight the importance of individuality and self-worth. He believes that celebrating himself also celebrates others because of their shared connection. This reflects his philosophy of equality and universal brotherhood. The poem inspires confidence and acceptance of one’s identity.
3. What does the poet mean by “creeds and schools in abeyance”?
Answers : The poet means that he temporarily sets aside rigid beliefs and systems of thought. This allows him to focus on his personal truth and self-expression. He respects these systems but does not let them limit his freedom. The phrase reflects his open-minded and independent thinking.
4. How does the poet describe his connection to the earth?
Answers : The poet says his body and blood are formed from the earth’s soil and air, showing his bond with nature. This connection symbolizes his belief in the unity of all living things. He views himself as an inseparable part of the natural cycle. The description reflects his respect for the environment.
5. What is the poet’s message about unity?
Answers : The poet’s message is that all humans are interconnected and equal. He says every atom of his belongs to others, symbolizing universal brotherhood. This promotes a sense of shared humanity and mutual respect. The poem celebrates unity, individuality, and the oneness of life.
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