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SAT English QUESTION #5398
Question 1
The following text is from Walt Whitman's 1860 poem "Calamus 24." I HEAR it is charged against me that I seek to destroy institutions; / But really I am neither for nor against institutions / (What indeed have I in common with them?— / Or what with the destruction of them?), / Only I will establish in the Mannahatta [Manhattan] and in every city of These States, inland and seaboard, / And in the fields and woods, and above every keel [ship] little or large, that dents the water, / Without edifices, or rules, or trustees, or any argument, / The institution of the dear love of comrades. Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
  • The speaker questions an increasingly prevalent attitude then summarizes his worldview.
  • The speaker regrets his isolation from others then predicts a profound change in society.
  • The speaker concedes his personal shortcomings then boasts of his many achievements.
  • The speaker addresses a criticism leveled against him then announces a grand ambition of his.✔️
Correct Answer Explanation
The speaker first addresses accusations that he seeks to destroy institutions, then declares his goal to establish 'the institution of the dear love of comrades' everywhere.