"For You O' Democracy" by Walt Whitman is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the essence of democracy and its potential to create a harmonious and prosperous society. The poem begins with the poet's determination to forge an indissoluble continent, a land-bound.....
For You O’ Democracy - New Mulberry Coursebook - Class 8 - English
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Back Exercises - For You O’ Democracy | New Mulberry Coursebook | Literature | English | Class 8
Read this inspirational poem aloud that also speaks of true democracy. As you read it, notice the use of repetition. What effect does it have in conveying the message of the poem?
Where the mind is without fear
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where ethe world his not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
The repetitive use of the phrase "Where the…" has a powerful resonance throughout the poem. This device draws the reader’s attention to the conditions described, creating a strong sense of longing and aspiration towards the ideals presented: fearlessness, dignity, truthfulness, rationality, ceaseless effort, and unbounded knowledge.
The repetition is not just a stylistic choice, but an integral part of the message being conveyed. Each line introduces a new aspect of the poetic vision of the perfect world - a place of freedom and enlightenment, a true democracy unmarred by prejudice, ignorance, and divisions. Thus, the repetition emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of all these aspects.
Moreover, repeating the phrase "Where the…" creates a rhythm, making the poem appear like a litany or a prayer – which indeed it is, being a call to the heavenly Father to awaken the nation into this dream-like state. Thus, the repetition intensifies the spiritual undertone of the poem, while reinforcing the profound hope and desire for the realization of this vision of a democratic utopia.
List two similarities and two differences that you notice between this poem and For you O Democracy.
differences similarities differences similarities
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Sign up nowCompose your own anaphoric poem using the word ‘If: You may use this template.
If I were ______________________________
I would ______________________________
I would ______________________________
I would ______________________________
And then I would ______________________________
That’s what I would do ______________________________
If I were ______________________________
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Sign up nowBack Questions - For You O’ Democracy | New Mulberry Coursebook | Literature | English | Class 8
The speaker is an American here. What does he promise to do for America? Use the meanings of the three adjectives he uses in the first stanza to answer the question.
The speaker, embodying a patriotic spirit, presents grand claims and promises for America relating to unity, compelling companionship, and distinguished magnificence. He assures to make the continent 'indissoluble', symbolizing his desire to solidify and fortify mutual relations, fostering unbreakable bonds that would hold the nation together against fragmentation. The speaker places immense pride and ambition in America's potential, vowing to craft 'the most splendid race'. The term 'splendid' is indicative of his intent to foster a populace that exceeds in excellence, is full of grandeur and which commands respect on a global stage.
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Why does the speaker repeat a few lines in the poem? What do you think is the significance of those lines in the poem?
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Sign up nowCome, I will make the continent indissoluble,
i. To whom does the speaker say this?
ii. What does the speaker promise?
iii. Does the speaker want something in return from those he calls out to?
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Sign up nowI will plant companionship thick as trees along all the rivers of America, and along the shores of the great lakes, and all over the prairies,
i. What does he compare companionship to in the first line? Why does he make this comparison?
ii. What is the meaning of the word ‘prairies’?
iii. What does he compare cities to? How is this comparison achieved?
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Sign up nowDescribe the speaker’s dream in your own words.
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Sign up nowWhy does the speaker refer to democracy as ‘ma femme’?
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Sign up nowJustify the title of the poem with a brief analysis of the rest of the poem.
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Sign up nowExtra Questions - For You O’ Democracy | New Mulberry Coursebook | Literature | English | Class 8
Come, I will make the continent indissoluble,
I will make the most splendid race the sun ever shone upon,
I will make divine magnetic lands,
With the love of comrades,
With the life-long love of comrades.
Come, I will make the continent indissoluble,
I will make the most splendid race the sun ever shone upon,
I will make divine magnetic lands,
With the love of comrades,
With the life-long love of comrades.
1. What is the speaker’s intention in making the continent indissoluble?
2. What does the speaker mean by “the most splendid race the sun ever shone upon”?
3. How does the speaker plan to create “divine magnetic lands”?
4. What is the significance of the love of comrades in this stanza?
The speaker’s intention is to create a strong and unbreakable continent.
The speaker means that they aim to create a race of people who are exceptional, remarkable, and surpass any previous generations. They want to cultivate a populace that embodies greatness, shining like the sun and setting a new standard of excellence. This phrase emphasizes the speaker's ambition to cultivate a brilliant and extraordinary society.
The speaker intends to create divine magnetic lands by fostering a sense of attraction and allure towards the land. They want the lands to possess a divine quality, something extraordinary and captivating. This can be achieved by instilling a deep love and connection to the land, making it magnetic in a metaphorical sense - drawing people towards it with a powerful force. Through this, the speaker envisions the lands as special and spiritually significant, evoking a sense of awe and reverence.
The love of comrades is emphasized as a key element in this stanza, suggesting the importance of companionship and unity.
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I will plant companionship thick as trees along all the rivers of America, and along the shores of the great lakes, and all over the prairies,
I will make inseparable cities with their arms about each other’s necks,
By the love of comrades,
By the manly love of comrades.
How do the images of trees and rivers contribute to the speaker’s vision of comradeship?
What might be the significance of the phrase “arms about each other’s necks”?
How does the phrase “manly love of comrades” contribute to the overall message of the stanza?
How do these lines express the speaker’s devotion to democracy?
What effect does the repetition of the phrase “by the love of comrades” have in the stanza?
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Sign up nowFor you O Democracy - For You O’ Democracy | New Mulberry Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
Vocabulary - Flashcards - For You O’ Democracy | New Mulberry Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
About the Poet - For You O’ Democracy | New Mulberry Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
Walt Whitman, known as the "Bard of Democracy," was an influential American poet, essayist, and journalist of the 19th century. Born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, New York, Whitman is considered one of the most significant voices in American literature. He is best known for his collection of poems called "Leaves of Grass," which he continually revised and expanded throughout his life.
Whitman's poetry was groundbreaking for its time, as it celebrated the individual, embraced the diversity of human experience, and championed democracy and equality. His writing often explored themes of nature, the human body, sexuality, and the beauty of everyday life, often using free verse and unconventional rhythmic patterns. His poetry had a profound influence on later generations of poets and writers and was instrumental in shaping modern American poetry.
Walt Whitman's contribution to American literature cannot be overstated. His bold poetic style and daring exploration of various themes continue to inspire and resonate with readers today. His belief in the power of the individual and his commitment to democracy are timeless and continue to be celebrated. Walt Whitman's legacy as a poet and visionary remains an integral part of American literary history.
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Themes - For You O’ Democracy | New Mulberry Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
Democracy and Unity:
The poem explores the concept of democracy as a binding force that unifies individuals and creates a cohesive society.
Whitman emphasizes.....
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Unlock now 🔓Symbols - For You O’ Democracy | New Mulberry Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
1. Continent: The continent symbolizes America as a whole, representing the poet's desire for a united and inseparable nation bound by democratic principles.
2. Splendid race: This symbolizes.....
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Unlock now 🔓Poetic Devices - For You O’ Democracy | New Mulberry Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
1. Repetition: The repetition of phrases like "For you" and "I will" emphasizes the poet's commitment and dedication to democracy and his audience.
2. Imagery: Vivid and evocative.....
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Unlock now 🔓Vocabulary - For You O’ Democracy | New Mulberry Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
Indissoluble: that which has no end
Their love was so strong, it felt indissoluble, like it would last forever.Magnetic lands: powerful and attractive places
Paris, with its iconic landmarks, is one of the world's magnetic lands for tourists.
Plant companionship: sow the seed of friendship and make it grow
In a garden, different .................................
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