Question

which matters more, individuality or community?

1. (a) what have you learned about the value of

individuality from reading whitman’s work? (b) how
would you define whitman’s idea of community?

Explanation:

Part (a)

Whitman's "Song of Myself" emphasizes the self as a complex, autonomous entity. The speaker celebrates their own individuality, with lines like "I celebrate myself, and sing myself" showing self - affirmation. The individual is not isolated but connected to others through their unique self, as the self contains elements of all humanity. Individuality is a source of power and connection to the broader world, as the individual's experiences and self - exploration reflect universal human experiences.

Part (b)

In Whitman's works, he includes a wide range of people (e.g., in "I Hear America Singing", different workers) in his vision of community. The community is not homogenous but a collection of diverse individuals whose lives and experiences interweave. The connection is based on the shared human condition, and the community is strengthened by the individuality of its members. There's a sense of unity in diversity, where each person's story and self contributes to the larger tapestry of the community.

Answer:

From Whitman's work (e.g., "Song of Myself"), individuality is valued as a unique, self - reliant, and expansive force. Each self is a microcosm, with the individual exploring their own being, celebrating their uniqueness, and connecting to the universal through self - discovery. The individual is seen as containing multitudes, with personal experiences and self - expression being vital.