Discussion

In order to better understand the poem “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman, it is very important to be able to answer some questions that can help you put it into perspective.

First of all, what does the poem say about Whitman’s perspective of America? Why does he believe ‘blue-collar workers’ are more important than ‘white-collar workers’? Was it really the reality of his day? Do you agree with his view? Do you believe that ‘blue-collar workers’ and ‘white-collar workers’ are equal or different? In which way?

Then, think about Whitman’s decision to add women to the enumeration of hard-working men. Why do you think he did that? Why are mothers, wives or girls similar to men who practice intense labor? In order to answer this question, think about the roles of women in times of war and distress.

Why do you believe ...