How does the structure of “I Hear America Singing” contribute to its overall meaning? (RL 8.5)
A. The gradual increase in line length accentuates the important role that women play in creating
America’s strength.
B. The inconsistent line length emphasizes the novelty of each worker’s contribution to America.
C. The repeated references to songs develop the idea that each worker performs a similar function in
American society.
D. The list of a wide variety of workers highlights the unique contribution each worker makes to
America.
D. The list of a wide variety of workers highlights the unique contribution each worker makes to America.
D. The list of a wide variety of workers highlights the unique contribution each worker makes to America.
To determine the answer to this question, we need to analyze the structure of the poem and how it contributes to the overall meaning.
"I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman is a free-verse poem that does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, it is organized into eleven lines, each with its own unique structure and length.
Option A suggests that the gradual increase in line length accentuates the important role that women play in creating America's strength. However, there is no evidence in the poem to support this claim. The length of the lines in the poem does not specifically highlight gender roles.
Option B suggests that the inconsistent line length emphasizes the novelty of each worker's contribution to America. While this is an interesting interpretation, the inconsistent line length is not the primary focus of the poem. It is not explicitly mentioned or emphasized within the text.
Option C suggests that the repeated references to songs develop the idea that each worker performs a similar function in American society. This interpretation is aligned with the actual content of the poem. Whitman uses the repetition of the word "singing" to highlight the collective harmony of the American workers, emphasizing their shared purpose and contribution to society.
Option D suggests that the list of a wide variety of workers highlights the unique contribution each worker makes to America. This interpretation is also supported by the poem. Whitman presents a diverse range of workers, including carpenters, masons, boatmen, mothers, and shoemakers, to emphasize the individuality and importance of each person's role in American society.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D. The structure of "I Hear America Singing" contributes to its overall meaning by highlighting the unique contribution each worker makes to America.