English Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

To what literary movement does the poet Walt Whitman belong?

1. French Symbolism

2. British Romanticism

3. American Realism

4. American Romanticism

The correct answer is: American Romanticism

Walt Whitman is considered one of the most important poets in American literature of the 19th century, and he is particularly known for his collection of poems called "Leaves of Grass." Whitman's writing style is characterized by its free verse, unconventional language and themes, and a focus on individualism and democracy. These characteristics align with the principles of the literary movement of American Romanticism, making option D the correct answer. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they all belong to different literary movements. The French Symbolism movement was popular in late 19th century France, British Romanticism was a 19th century literary and artistic movement in Britain, and American Realism emerged later in the 19th century as a response to romanticism.