Question 1. Compare and contrast I Hear America Singing and “The Masque of the Red Death.” (10 points total)

A. Explain how both stories are similar or different based on style.
B. Explain how they are similar or different based on theme.
**Use two pieces of textual evidence to support your answer for each question.**

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To compare and contrast the poems "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman and the short story "The Masque of the Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe, it is important to examine their style and themes. We will also use two pieces of textual evidence for each question.

A. In terms of style, the two works have distinct differences. "I Hear America Singing" is a free verse poem that celebrates the diversity and unity of the American people. It adopts a lyrical and optimistic tone, capturing the essence of American society. On the other hand, "The Masque of the Red Death" is a Gothic short story characterized by its dark and chilling atmosphere. It employs rich descriptive language, suspense, and symbolism to create a sense of fear and impending doom.

To support this, in "I Hear America Singing," the poem starts with the line, "I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear." Here, Whitman's use of repetition and the term "carols" evoke a lively and musical quality, reflecting the joyful spirit of the American people.

In contrast, in "The Masque of the Red Death," Poe's vivid and eerie descriptions can be illustrated through the following passage: "There were sharp pains and sudden dizziness, and then profuse bleeding at the pores, with dissolution." This excerpt showcases Poe's mastery in creating a macabre atmosphere through the use of sensory details and the portrayal of horrifying consequences.

B. Moving on to themes, while both works explore different subjects, they have elements that connect them. "I Hear America Singing" emphasizes the celebration of individuality, unity, and the contribution of all members of society to the American fabric. It embodies the idea of a nation coming together harmoniously through hard work and self-expression.

One textual evidence that supports this theme is the line, "The carpenter singing as he measures his plank or beam," which showcases the significance of every individual's occupation and contribution to America.

On the other hand, "The Masque of the Red Death" delves into themes of death, inevitable fate, and the futility of trying to escape or deny the natural order of life. It conveys the idea that death is an inescapable force that can infiltrate even the most luxurious and glamorous settings.

For instance, the passage, "And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all" serves as a powerful image of the encompassing power of death, leaving no escape to the characters in the story.

In summary, "I Hear America Singing" and "The Masque of the Red Death" differ in style, with one being a celebratory and optimistic poem and the other a dark and suspenseful Gothic short story. They explore themes of unity, individuality, and the inevitability of death, respectively. By examining their style and themes through textual evidence, a comprehensive comparison and contrast can be drawn between the two works.

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