Whitman and American Nationalism

Reflect upon the reading, do more research, and compose a 700-word formal academic essay on ONE of these topics: Topic 6 – American Nationalism and Whitman:

Define American Nationalism as it was viewed in Whitman’s time. Show how “I Hear America Singing” could be a symbol of this type of Nationalism.

Poem to analyze: “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman.

Requirements:

  • Essay length: 700-800 words.
  • Total number of sources on works cited page: Minimum of 3
  • Total number of in-text citations from a source other than the text using either a signal phrase or a parenthetical citation: 4-6
  • Total number of textual references or quotes: 3-5

Tips:

  • Your introductory paragraph should accomplish the following:
  • Introduce the author and the title of the work or works being discussed.
  • Brief biographical information about the author.
  • Clearly stated thesis introducing the topic and presenting your main points.
    • Body paragraphs should develop the thesis statement using transitional sentences to move from one section to the next.
    • Review the MLA module and make sure all of your citations are in proper MLA format.
    • Make sure the only sources listed on the works cited page are sources that you have actually cited from in the paper itself.
    • Make sure the works cited page is in alphabetical order using proper formatting.

 

Struggling with where to start this essay? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your 700–800 Word Essay on Whitman and American Nationalism:

  1. Understand the Prompt:

    • Your focus is American Nationalism during Whitman’s era.

    • Analyze “I Hear America Singing” as a symbol of this nationalism.

    • Ensure essay length is 700–800 words.

  2. Research and Take Notes:

    • Read the poem carefully; identify themes, imagery, and tone.

    • Research American Nationalism in the mid-1800s.

    • Find at least 2–3 scholarly sources beyond the poem to support your points.

    • Take notes with quotes and page numbers for citations.

  3. Draft an Outline:

    Introduction (1 paragraph)

    • Introduce Walt Whitman (birth, major works, influence).

    • Introduce “I Hear America Singing”.

    • Define American Nationalism in the 19th century.

    • Thesis statement: Example—“In ‘I Hear America Singing’, Whitman celebrates the contributions of ordinary Americans, reflecting a vision of nationalism based on democratic values, cultural unity, and civic participation.”

    Body Paragraphs (3–5 paragraphs)

    • Paragraph 1: Explain American Nationalism in Whitman’s time (historical context, democratic ideals).

    • Paragraph 2: Analyze how the poem highlights individual workers and daily life; include 1–2 textual references.

    • Paragraph 3: Discuss how collective voices in the poem symbolize unity and national pride; include 1 textual reference.

    • Paragraph 4 (optional): Connect Whitman’s vision of nationalism to broader cultural and political movements of the time; include scholarly source citations.

    Conclusion (1 paragraph)

    • Summarize how the poem reflects 19th-century American Nationalism.

    • Emphasize Whitman’s democratic and inclusive vision.

    • Suggest the lasting cultural impact of his nationalism.

  4. Writing Tips:

    • Use transitional phrases like “Furthermore,” “In addition,” or “This demonstrates…” to maintain flow.

    • Include 3–5 quotes from the poem and 4–6 in-text citations from your other sources.

    • Make sure each body paragraph supports your thesis.

  5. MLA Formatting Checklist:

    • Times New Roman, 12 pt font, double-spaced.

    • 1-inch margins all around.

    • In-text citations: (Author Last Name page #) or signal phrases like According to Smith….

    • Works Cited page at the end in alphabetical order with only cited sources.

  6. Revise and Proofread:

    • Check grammar, spelling, and sentence clarity.

    • Ensure all quotes and citations are correctly formatted in MLA.

    • Confirm essay length is within 700–800 words.

  7. Submit:

    • Save as Word or PDF file with your name and essay title (e.g., JaneDoe_Whitman_Nationalism.docx).

    • Double-check that all in-text citations match your Works Cited page.


Suggested Resources for Your Essay:

  • Whitman, Walt. Leaves of Grass. Various editions.

  • Kaplan, Justin. Walt Whitman: A Life. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1980.

  • Reynolds, David S. Walt Whitman’s America: A Cultural Biography. Vintage, 1995.

  • Online analysis: Poetry Foundation – I Hear America Singing

Posted in Uncategorized

Place this order or similar order and get an amazing discount. USE Discount code “GET20” for 20% discount