Table of Contents

Introduction

The poem ‘I Hear America Singing’, which was written on the eve of the Civil War, paints a picture of a peaceful America. The poem depicts an image of America as a place where people do honest and productive work and celebrate that effort in this poem. America is the result of the effort of these countless, unique individuals, whose individual contributions combine to create an unified country.

About The Poet

American poet, writer, and journalist Walter Whitman wrote in these genres. He was a humanist who participated in the shift from transcendentalism to realism by mixing both ideologies into his writing. Whitman, who is frequently referred to as the founder of free poetry, is one of the most influential poets in American literature.

Lines 1-4

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,

Walt Whitman seems fascinated by the working class of American society when the patriotic poem first begins. The poet starts out by complimenting the working class in American society and emphasizes distinctive characteristics with pure passion. As a result, the poem has a cheerful tone and inspires positive notes of support for the citizens of America.

The phrase “I hear American singing” is essential to an appreciation for the American working class, a significant part in improving American society.

Lines 5-14

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.

Each individual professional is pictured happily traveling down his or her journey, feeling proud for fulfilling his or her function. Each character conveys their own distinctiveness as Whitman sings about their field of work. In the big picture, all of these singing characters that are portrayed are Americans.

Walt Whitman is grateful for and proud of the effort the middle class makes to foster a society that is based on respect and rights. In the poem’s final lines, he alludes to the right to rejoice after a tough day’s work. He closes this piece on a cheerful, chirpy tone.