Questions

1. The poem is presented as a prayer that Christopher Columbus makes to his God. What does he pray for?

   Question

   Questions: - The poem is presented as a prayer that Christopher Columbus makes to his God. What does he pray for?
2. In lines 31–39, what does the speaker mean when he says, “By me and these the work so far accomplish’d…blossom there”? What is “Europe’s dead cross”?

   Question

   Questions: - In lines 31–39, what does the speaker mean when he says, “By me and these the work so far accomplish’d…blossom there”? What is “Europe’s dead cross”?
3. Why does Walt Whitman have Columbus characterize his “own work past or present” (l. 58) as “Mocking, perplexing” (l. 61) him?

   Question

   Questions: - Why does Walt Whitman have Columbus characterize his “own work past or present” (l. 58) as “Mocking, perplexing” (l. 61) him?
4. What are the “anthems in new tongues I hear saluting me” in the final line?

   Question

   Questions: - What are the “anthems in new tongues I hear saluting me” in the final line?
5. Overall, how does Whitman characterize Columbus and his life’s work?

   Question

   Questions: - Overall, how does Whitman characterize Columbus and his life’s work?
6. In 1995, when the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Transit Authority unveiled a large wall sculpture in a subway station honoring the memory of Columbus, the program notes described this poem as celebrating “the faith and piety” of Columbus. Explain why you agree or disagree with this interpretation.

   Question

   Questions: - In 1995, when the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Transit Authority unveiled a large wall sculpture in a subway station honoring the memory of Columbus, the program notes described this poem as celebrating “the faith and piety” of Columbus. Explain why you agree or disagree with this interpretation.