NAME:

2.1.2 Read: Poetry as the Person Reading Guide

English 11 Sem 1 Possible points: 49

While you read:

Each of the following questions is related to an underlined passage or word in the reading. Be ready to
answer the questions as you read. Write your answers below.

1. How might a poet's geographic environment (such as urban or rural) help shape his or her work?
Answer: It could change the kind of things the poet can write about, their point of view, and the
subjects they are most ready to write about.

2. What were some of the experiences that helped shape Whitman's Leaves of Grass?
Answer: Whitman, the printer and journalist, was exposed to the slave trade and the landscape
of the western US. He backed the Union throughout the Civil War and provided raw experiences
for Leaves of Grass.

3. What was Emerson's reaction to Whitman's book?

Answer: W. Whitman's words had a big impact on R.W. Emerson, and he wished to honor a
magnificent work of art. His impression of Whitman's works was strong.

4. How is this seemingly insulting phrase meant as a compliment?

Answer: Pound praises Whitman for being genuine and representing "real" America. It seems
disrespectful since it shows the worst parts of America, but it also recommends him for being
realistic.

5. What does this reveal about what Whitman valued?

Answer: This reveals that Whitman appreciated everything around him, regardless of how ugly
or meaningless it might have seemed.

6. If Whitman were writing today, what are some words he might use to capture the "common" language
of everyday Americans?
Answer: Whitman's work now may include signs, slang, and current vocabulary, reflecting the
ordinary language of Americans.

7. What is the meaning of erudite?

Definition: It shows a high level of learning ability.

Use it in a sentence: An erudite girl was wearing a pink sweater and pink pants.

8. What are some specific ways you've read about so far in which Whitman rejected the "European" style
of poetry?
 Answer: Whitman's American poetry, in contrast to conventional European forms, used
extended lines and indented lines to show his travels and the late 19th-century American
identity. His rude vocabulary, which replaced the polished English of the wealthy, was
influenced by the streets and boats of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

9. How does this fact affect Dickinson's personal life and her writing?
Answer: Dickinson's father's riches probably made it possible for her to follow her own
profession, live independently, and make money from a line of work that is normally not
financial.

10. What were some factors that contributed to Dickinson's fascination with death and the afterlife?
Answer: Dickinson's silence and doubts about her church caused her to become isolated. She
went to Amherst Academy, in which a scientific program set up a conflict between faith and
unbelief. She delved into subjects that were familiar to her, such as death, aging, immortality,
and the afterlife, as a result of her reflection.

11. How do Whitman's poetic lines and Dickinson's poetic lines reflect who they were as people?
Answer: A summary of Whitman's travels and the late 19th-century American identity, his line is
long, extensive, and rambling. Dickinson's line is simple, vertical, and very personal; it focuses
on a particular thing or event and adds genuine insight and personal observations. Both lines
represent forward motion as well as sounds.

12. Why might others have felt the need to edit Dickinson's work before releasing it to the public?
Answer: Her poetry was presented by publishers in a way that was recognizable to the general
audience, without dashes and with words capitalized at random, in order to make income.

13. Why do you think this was the case for poets who are now two of the most widely read in all of
American literature?
Answer: People may not have been ready for Whitman and Dickinson's original poetry during
their lifetimes, but they now appreciate the importance of their contributions.

14. Do you agree with Dickinson's assessment of poetry? Why or why not?
Answer: I agree. There is no denying the overall impact of a poem that actually connects with
you on an emotional level, even while it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly how the components
of a poem are functioning together.

After you've read:

1. What was the state of American poetry before Whitman and Dickinson arrived in the second half of the
20th century?
Answer: Before Whitman and Dickinson, the "European" school of poetry was quite controlled
in the use of rhyme, meter, line, and stanza.

2. In what ways did Whitman and Dickinson break with traditional poetic conventions?
Answer: Poets Dickinson and Walt Whitman pushed future poets to seek an authentic, natural
form of expression, rejecting standard structure and emotional handling of issues.
3. In what specific ways was each poet's writing style and subject matter a reflection of his or her personal
experiences?
Answer: Whitman, a journalist in an urban setting, encountered problems caused by the
Westward Movement, the Civil War, and slavery, whereas Dickinson, a shy, quiet lady, showed
her childhood in the country and her scientific education.

4. Neither Whitman nor Dickinson was widely read during his or her lifetime. Given their biographies and
the descriptions of their work, which poet's lack of popularity surprises you more? Why?
Answer: Whitman's popularity is unexpected because of his knowledge of American society,
but Dickinson's low popularity is less so given her riches, isolation, and absence of a husband,
which make it difficult for the general public to relate to her experiences.

5. Why do you think Whitman and Dickinson today are considered so important to American poetry?
Answer: By questioning old poetry rules and advancing a true, natural manner of expression,
Dickinson and Whitman transformed American literature.

2.1.5 Read: Whitman and Dickinson Reading Guide

English 11 Sem 1

After you've finished reading, write short answers to the following questions.

1. How do both Dickinson and Whitman show they are unafraid of death in their poems "712" and "Song
of Myself"?
Answer: Dickinson and Whitman express unafraid of death through their poems, exploring
immortality and the soul's continuation after physical death. In "712," Dickinson posits that the
soul will continue to exist, while in "Song of Myself," Whitman believes death is part of life's
cycle and the soul will continue to exist beyond it.

2. How do both Dickinson and Whitman show they value nature in "324" and "When I Heard the Learn'd
Astronomer"?
Answer: Dickinson and Whitman use vivid language to express their appreciation for nature in
their poems. Dickinson highlights the transformative power of nature in "324," while Whitman
contrasts academic study with the awe-inspiring experience of being in nature in "When I Heard
the Learn'd Astronomer."

3. Why do you think Whitman chose to include only people who worked with their hands in his poem "I
Hear America Singing"?
Answer: In "I Hear America Singing," Whitman highlights the importance of manual labor,
including carpenters, mechanics, and boatmen, to celebrate the hard work and contributions of
the working class, contrasting it with intellectual pursuits.

4. Do you agree with Emily Dickinson's main point in poem "435"? Why or why not? Give an example
to support your response.
Answer: Yes, I agree with Emily Dickinson's main point in poem because Emily Dickinson
 explores the idea that the truth is often hidden or obscured by societal norms and expectations.
She suggests that people are often afraid to express their true selves or opinions, stating "Much
Madness is divinest Sense - / To a discerning Eye - / Much Sense - the starkest Madness - / 'Tis
the Majority." This idea can resonate with many people who feel that they cannot express
themselves authentically due to societal pressures or fear of rejection.

2.2.1 Read: A Complex Portrait Reading Guide

English 11 Sem 1

While you read:

Each of the following questions is related to an underlined passage or word in the reading. Be ready to
answer the questions as you read. Write your answers below.

1. Why do you think we often imagine Poe as "pale" and "sorrowful"?

Answer: Because we can cleary see that it is being reflected by his writing.

2. What does "macabre" mean?

Defnition: Disturbing and horrifying events

Use it in a sentence: Police discovered a macabre scene inside the house.

3. Why do you think Poe suspected Allan purposely kept him from seeing Frances?
Answer: Poe suspected Allan because they weren’t in good terms.

4. How did Poe differ from other writers of his era?

Answer: Poe differed from other writers of his era because he managed to make a living off of
writed compared to others in his era.

5. What life event do you think had the greatest impact on Poe's writing?
Answer: I believe that being cut off financially and the death of his parents was the greatest
impact on Poe’s writing.

6. What seems to have driven Poe into depression?

Answer: The love of his life fell ill and he had no one else beside him becasue both his parents
passed away.

7. Describe Poe's idea of the "unity of effect" in your own words.

Answer: I think it means bringing people together with his writing so they could all feel the
same way.

8. Which genres that are popular today did Poe have a hand in creating?
Answer: Psychological thriller and the horror genre
9. Based on what Poe did as a "literary critic," what conclusion can be drawn about what a literary critic
does?
Answer: literary critics write about writing, and they generally evaluate the quality of newly
published works.

10. What are some differences between Poe's literary impact and his cultural impact?
Answer: he helped create a different genre filled with horror and fear. Culturally he made way
for suspense films with monsters such as zombies, vampires, and werewolves

11. What does "disparaging" mean?

Answer: something is different from another or worse

After you've read:

1. Based on this overview of Poe's life, what are some elements of "Gothic literature"?
Answer: Colors black and red, and visual symbols like evil eyes and black cats
Vaults and cellars, gothic architecture
Dark and stormy nights, and spooky settings

2. What do you think is Poe's most important legacy?

Answer: One of the most important parts of Poe's legacy is his contribution to the short story
genre.

3. Why would Rufus Griswold have wanted to disparage Poe?

Answer: Poe gave each poem a positive review for the Boston Miscellany, although he
expressed disappointment that some of the poets were included because they were "too
mediocre to entitle them to particular notice." Griswold was disappointed by the evaluation
since he had hoped for much praise.

4. Why did sales of Poe's stories actually increased after Griswold's disparaging biography?
Answer: Sales of Poe's stories actually increased after Griswold's disparaging biography
because it brought attention to Poe's work and sparked curiosity among readers about the
mysterious and troubled author.

In one or two sentences, write down the gist, or main point, of "A Complex Portrait: The Life and Legacy
of Edgar Allan Poe."
Answer: The article explores the intricate and multifaceted nature of Edgar Allan Poe's life and
the lasting impact he has had on literature and popular culture.
 2.2.4 Read: "The Raven" and "The Philosophy of Reading Guide
Composition"

English 11 Sem 1

After you've finished reading, write short answers to the following questions.

"The Raven"
1. How does the narrator's attitude toward the raven change between the time the bird first appears and
the end of the poem? Give specific examples from the poem to support your answer.
Answer: The raven quickly piques the writer's interest and delight, as the narrator describes,
“Then this ebony bird fooling my dismal mind into laughing.”

2. What is an effect of repeating the word "nevermore"? Give specific examples from the poem to
support your answer.
Answer: The word nevermore is a reminder from the Raven that the speaker will see his lost
love Lenore never again, and the raven is a reminder of his sorrow that won't leave. ”The bird
answers “Nevermore” and it appears the speaker is going to live forever in the shadow of the
bust of Pallas above his door.”

"The Philosophy of Composition"

3. How does reading about Poe's process help one understand the poem better? Give specific
examples from the essay to support your answer.
Answer: Reading about Poe's process helps the reader to appreciate the intricacies of the poem
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe in a better light. To achieve situational and dramatic irony, Poe
employed supernatural elements, for example, the Raven, which is regarded as a symbol of
death.

4. Did Poe's process create the effect he was hoping for? Give specific examples from the essay to
support your answer.
Answer: Yes, I think that Edgar Allen Poe's process created the effect that he was hoping for in
"The Philosophy of Composition"

2.3.3 Read: "Resistance to Civil Government" Reading Guide

English 11 Sem 1

After you've finished reading, write short answers to these questions.

1. What is Thoreau's basic opinion about the government?

Answer: Thoreau begins Civil Disobedience by saying that he agrees with the motto, "That
government is best which governs least.

2. What is one way Thoreau encourages people to show their disapproval of the government?
Answer: To refuse to pay tax to a government whose policy you don't agree with.
3. How did Thoreau's night in jail change his perspective?
Answer: Thoreau's night in jail completely changes his perspective on Concord. Thoreau feels
that before his experience of imprisonment in his town, he had “never seen its institutions”
(part 3, par. 4). But following his time in jail, he has “a closer view of [his] native town” (part 3,
par.

4. What kind of government does Thoreau believe is the best kind?

Answer: Thoreau believed that the best government would be the one that allowed all to live
with liberty