Exploring the Text

  1. Why is slang particularly American, according to Walt Whitman? Do you think this is still the case in twenty-first-century America?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: Why is slang particularly American, according to Walt Whitman? Do you think this is still the case in twenty-first-century America?
  2. Whitman opens his essay with a discussion of the English language. In what ways does this paragraph lay the foundation for the ideas that follow?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: Whitman opens his essay with a discussion of the English language. In what ways does this paragraph lay the foundation for the ideas that follow?
  3. In paragraph 2, Whitman defines slang as “the lawless germinal element, below all words and sentences, and behind all poetry, and proves a certain perennial rankness and protestantism in speech.” Divide that definition into specific parts, and analyze the meaning of each one. Thus, for instance, why is slang “lawless”? Use examples from today’s slang to illustrate Whitman’s definition.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: In paragraph 2, Whitman defines slang as “the lawless germinal element, below all words and sentences, and behind all poetry, and proves a certain perennial rankness and protestantism in speech.” Divide that definition into specific parts, and analyze the meaning of each one. Thus, for instance, why is slang “lawless”? Use examples from today’s slang to illustrate Whitman’s definition.
  4. In paragraph 2, Whitman uses two metaphors. What are they? Why is each one a fitting way to explore the meaning of slang? Is one more effective than the other? Explain.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: In paragraph 2, Whitman uses two metaphors. What are they? Why is each one a fitting way to explore the meaning of slang? Is one more effective than the other? Explain.
  5. Whitman opens paragraph 3 with the transitional phrase, “To make it plainer.” What does he do in that paragraph to make his perspective on slang “plainer”?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: Whitman opens paragraph 3 with the transitional phrase, “To make it plainer.” What does he do in that paragraph to make his perspective on slang “plainer”?
  6. What is the relationship between slang and mythology, according to Whitman?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: What is the relationship between slang and mythology, according to Whitman?
  7. In paragraphs 6–10, Whitman presents numerous examples as evidence. Do these illustrate a single point or several points? Explain what point(s) you believe they support.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: In paragraphs 6–10, Whitman presents numerous examples as evidence. Do these illustrate a single point or several points? Explain what point(s) you believe they support.
  8. What opinion of American humorists does Whitman imply in paragraph 11? Do you think that expressing this view undercuts his essay or strengthens it? Explain your response.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: What opinion of American humorists does Whitman imply in paragraph 11? Do you think that expressing this view undercuts his essay or strengthens it? Explain your response.
  9. How would you describe the overall tone of this essay? How does the final paragraph, including the metaphors, contribute to the tone?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: How would you describe the overall tone of this essay? How does the final paragraph, including the metaphors, contribute to the tone?
  10. How does this essay reflect Whitman’s poetry in terms of style and/or content? If you are familiar with his work, select your own examples; if you are not, you might consider “Song of Myself” or even the short poem “Mannahatta.”

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: How does this essay reflect Whitman’s poetry in terms of style and/or content? If you are familiar with his work, select your own examples; if you are not, you might consider “Song of Myself” or even the short poem “Mannahatta.”
  11. Apply the following definition of slang from Whitman’s essay to examples that you know from your own experience or study: “an attempt of common humanity to escape from bald literalism, and express itself illimitably, which in highest walks produces poets and poems . . .” (para. 2).

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: Apply the following definition of slang from Whitman’s essay to examples that you know from your own experience or study: “an attempt of common humanity to escape from bald literalism, and express itself illimitably, which in highest walks produces poets and poems . . .” (para. 2).
  12. A more current essay by Tom Dalzell, an expert on American slang, examines the impact of young people on its development:

    Whatever its source, youth slang is a core element of youth culture, as a defiant gesture of resistance and an emblem of tribe identity. Fashion and hair styles are other key manifestations of a generation’s identity, but they can be easily regulated by adult authorities. With music and language, regulation and restriction are much more difficult. Even the most vigilant and repressive attempts by adult authority cannot completely eradicate slang and music with its slang lyrics.

    Support, challenge, or qualify this view with evidence from your own generation or another with which you are familiar.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Slang in America - Exploring the Text: A more current essay by Tom Dalzell, an expert on American slang, examines the impact of young people on its development: Whatever its source, youth slang is a core element of youth culture, as a defiant gesture of resistance and an emblem of tribe identity. Fashion and hair styles are other key manifestations of a generation’s identity, but they can be easily regulated by adult authorities. With music and language, regulation and restriction are much more difficult. Even the most vigilant and repressive attempts by adult authority cannot completely eradicate slang and music with its slang lyrics. Support, challenge, or qualify this view with evidence from your own generation or another with which you are familiar.