Read the poem. I Hear America Singing
by Walt Whitman

In this poem, Whitman honors the American work ethic. He describes how the voices of individual citizens come together in unison to represent the pride and joy Americans take in their work. At the same time, this blend of different voices into one is symbolic of American patriotism.

I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing
on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he
stands,
The wood-cutter’s song, the ploughboy’s on his way in the morning, or at
noon intermission or at sundown,
The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl
sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows, robust,
friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.

Which details belong in an effective summary of “I Hear America Singing”?

Select Yes or No for each detail.

Detail Yes No
Americans are both individuals and part of a collective group.
Yes – Americans are both individuals and part of a collective group.
No – Americans are both individuals and part of a collective group.
The poem presents a realistic portrayal of American life.
Yes – The poem presents a realistic portrayal of American life.
No – The poem presents a realistic portrayal of American life.
American jobs are difficult and demanding.
Yes – American jobs are difficult and demanding.
No – American jobs are difficult and demanding.
Workers find joy in productivity and honest labor.
Yes – Workers find joy in productivity and honest labor.
No – Workers find joy in productivity and honest labor.