What belief does Whitman share with Ralph Waldo Emerson and other transcendentalists?

Which of the following most clearly describes a central theme in the Walt Whitman poem, “I Hear America Singing?”
Every man and woman contributes positively and uniquely to the American experience and identity.

America is made up of hard-working tradesmen.

The American identity is expressed in song by the women and children who live in this great nation.

None of the above is correct.

Whitman shares the belief of individualism and the importance of self-reliance with Ralph Waldo Emerson and other transcendentalists.

The correct answer is: Every man and woman contributes positively and uniquely to the American experience and identity. This theme is evident in the poem "I Hear America Singing" where Whitman celebrates the diverse and collective contributions of every individual in American society.

To answer the first question, one needs to understand the beliefs of Ralph Waldo Emerson and other transcendentalists. Transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the 19th century, primarily in the United States. Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of humanity and nature, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. They emphasized the importance of individualism and self-reliance, urging people to rely on their own intuition and inner truths.

Walt Whitman, being a transcendentalist writer himself, shared these beliefs with Emerson and other transcendentalists. Like them, Whitman celebrated the individual and had a deep appreciation for nature, emphasizing the connection between the self and the world.

Now, let's move on to the second question. To find the correct answer, one needs to analyze the central theme in Walt Whitman's poem, "I Hear America Singing." In this poem, Whitman celebrates the diversity and inclusiveness of the American experience. He portrays the workers from various professions, singing their own unique songs, as symbols of the countless individuals who contribute positively to the American identity. This highlights the idea that "Every man and woman contributes positively and uniquely to the American experience and identity," which aligns with one of the options provided.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Every man and woman contributes positively and uniquely to the American experience and identity.