What can you infer about the poet’s attitude about humanity from these lines in “Song of Myself”?
These are really the thoughts of all men in all ages and lands, they are not original with me, / If they are not yours as much as mine they are nothing, or next to nothing. . . .
A. Whitman is pleased to acknowledge that he borrowed ideas in “Song of Myself” from other epic heroes.
C. Whitman believes that he can predict what people who read his poetry in the future will think.
D. Whitman thinks that his poetry is worthwhile only if readers agree with him.
Is this one of your choices?
Whitman believes that his observations are, in some sense, universally shared
Yes Ma'am Ms.Sue and it was wrong.
I am thinking this may be the answer but not totally sure.
Answer choice C
C. Whitman believes that he can predict what people who read his poetry in the future will think.
It seems to me that Whitman believed his observations were universally shared. However, if the computer marked it wrong, C may be the answer.
Ok Thank you so much ma'am for your help!
You're very welcome.
To infer the poet's attitude about humanity from these lines in "Song of Myself," we can analyze the text and the context. In these lines, the poet mentions that the thoughts expressed in his poem are not original and belong to all men in all ages and lands. He further adds that if these thoughts are not shared by the readers as much as they are by him, they are nothing or next to nothing.
From these lines, we can infer that the poet, Walt Whitman, has a strong belief in the universality of human thoughts and emotions. He recognizes that his ideas and perspective are not unique but instead represent the collective consciousness of all humanity. He puts emphasis on the idea that the readers' connection and agreement with his thoughts are necessary for his poetry to hold any significance.
Therefore, the correct inference about the poet's attitude on humanity from these lines in "Song of Myself" would be:
B. Whitman thinks that his poetry is worthwhile only if readers connect with and relate to it.