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Walt Whitman (1819–1892). Langston Hughes (1902-1967). Bell Ringer: What SOUNDS to you symbolize America? List them with a brief explanation. I Hear America Signing Walt Whitman (1819–1892 ) a) I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
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Walt Whitman (1819–1892) Langston Hughes (1902-1967)
Bell Ringer: What SOUNDS to you symbolize America? List them with a brief explanation.
I Hear America Signing Walt Whitman (1819–1892) a) I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear, b) Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be Blithe and strong, c) The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or Beam, d) The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or Leaves off work, e) The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, The deckhand singing on the steamboat deck, f) The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, The hatter singing as he stands, g) The woodcutter’s song, the ploughboy’s on his way in the Morning, or at the noon intermission or at sundown h) The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife At work, or of the girl sewing or washing, i) Each singing what belongs to her, and to none Else. j) The day what belongs to the day - at night, the party Of young fellows, robust, friendly, Singing, with open mouths, their strong melodious songs.
I, Too, Sing America Langston Hughes (1902-1967) a) I, too, sing America. b) I am the darker brother. c) They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, d) But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. e) Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. f) Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then. g) Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am h) And be ashamed – i) I, too, am America.
Consider point of view. In what way does Hughes suggest that race impacts the American experience? Consider when each poet lived. They lived a difference of nearly 100 years. What social changes / events might have influenced their views of the American experience? Compare the connotation that each poem uses to define America. What does each poem suggest about the American experience? In what ways does Whitman use repetition? Consider how this repetition impacts the mood / feel of the poem. Compare the first and last line of Hughes poem. What might be meant by the difference of “sing” and “am” America?
Homework: 6. In the form of a thoughtful poem (at least 8 lines long) write your song of America.
