* Cataloging: The poem is structured as a long list of different workers and their songs. This creates a sense of inclusiveness and celebrates the diversity of American labor. Examples: "The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam," "The mason singing his as he makes ready for work," "The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat," "the shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands."
* Repetition: The phrase "I hear America singing" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the theme of collective voices and unity. This also reinforces the idea of the constant, vibrant presence of American labor.
* Anaphora: Similar to repetition, the phrase "The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam" and similar lines for other professions, create a rhythmic flow and highlight the commonality of work and song.
* Free Verse: The poem doesn't follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This allows for a natural, conversational tone that reflects the everyday nature of the work and the songs. It also emphasizes the casual and spontaneous nature of the singing.
* Personification: The poem personifies America as a being that "sings." This gives the nation a voice and a sense of life and energy.
* Symbolism: The "songs" themselves represent the individual talents, skills, and contributions of each worker. They also represent the spirit and pride of American labor.
* Imagery: Whitman uses vivid imagery to describe the different workers and their tasks. For example, "the mason singing his as he makes ready for work" and "the shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench" create a clear picture in the reader's mind.
* Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds, such as "the boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat," adds a musical quality to the poem and emphasizes certain words.
By employing these poetic devices, Whitman creates a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the everyday heroes of America, their work, and their voices. He paints a picture of a nation united by a common purpose and a shared love of song.