The Joyful World of Literature Quiz

What is the allusion in the title of "I, Too, Sing America"?

A. Walt Whitman’s poem “I Hear America Singing.” B. Emily Dickinson’s poem “Because I could not stop for Death.” C. Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.” D. Gwendolyn Brooks’s poem “We Real Cool.”

Answer:

It would be A

The title of the poem "I, Too, Sing America" is an allusion to Walt Whitman’s poem “I Hear America Singing.” This allusion highlights the theme of unity and inclusion in both poems, celebrating the diversity and richness of the American experience.

Walt Whitman's poem “I Hear America Singing” portrays the varied voices and occupations of the American people, showcasing the beauty of different individuals coming together to create a harmonious whole. Similarly, in "I, Too, Sing America," the speaker asserts their right to be seen and heard as an integral part of American society.

By referencing Whitman's work, the title not only pays homage to a literary predecessor but also emphasizes the enduring relevance of the themes of equality and solidarity across different eras of American literature.