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

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    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”?

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    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?

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    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?

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    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?

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    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

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    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.