Question

What can you infer about the poet’s attitude about humanity from these lines in “Song of Myself”?

These are really the thoughts of all men in all ages and lands, they are not original with me, / If they are not yours as much as mine they are nothing, or next to nothing. . . .


A. Whitman is pleased to acknowledge that he borrowed ideas in “Song of Myself” from other epic heroes.

C. Whitman believes that he can predict what people who read his poetry in the future will think.

D. Whitman thinks that his poetry is worthwhile only if readers agree with him.