Whitman starts the poem with the first line, " I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear," (line 1). Whitman uses "America" figuratively as a symbol for the American people. His word choice comes into play also in the first line with the choice of the word "carols." The word "carol" means song but it is more joyful and it gives the idea to the reader that all the following Americans enjoy and love what they do. Although a carol means a joyful song, the speaker hears "varied carols". All the carols are sung joyfully but each American sings in a different way and to a different tune. It gives the each American a unique aspect to their craft.
Whitman first introduces us to the carols he hears the mechanics sing, "each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong," (line 2). Whitman keeps the theme of joy with the word blithe, meaning happy or joyous. Therefore, the mechanics that the speaker hears singing are singing loud and proud especially because Whitman describes that each one is singing "his" song, making each one of there songs unique even though they are all mechanics. It gives off the sense that these mechanics take great pride in their respective works as a mechanic. The same idea goes for the rest of these hard working Americans throughout the poem. Whitman also acknowledges the work women do such a mother, .
young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing," (line 8) is unique. In line nine of the poem, "Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else," meaning that workingmen and women America both take great pride in his or her work. .
There is an overwhelming similarity between the people being described in Whitman's poem. All these people are laborers or hard working people. They include: mechanics, a carpenter, a mason, a boat man, a deck hand, a shoemaker, a hatter, a wood-cutter, a ploughboy, a mother, a wife at work, and girl sewing and washing.
