1
O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
2
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills;
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,
You've fallen cold and dead.
3
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
This is an elegy spoken on board a ship at the moment it comes home. The voyage has succeeded and crowds on shore are cheering. But the captain who brought the ship through lies dead on its deck. Over three stanzas the speaker first urges him to rise, then admits that he cannot.
The poem never names the captain, the ship or the voyage. Many readers in the comments below take the captain as Abraham Lincoln and the ship as the nation. The poem's force comes from setting a public victory against one person's private grief.
Summary
The speaker calls out to the captain that the frightening voyage is over. The ship has come through every storm, and the goal of the voyage has been won. The harbour is near, bells are ringing, and the people on shore are rejoicing as they watch the ship come in. Then the speaker breaks off with a cry of the heart. There are drops of blood on the deck, where the captain lies "Fallen cold and dead."
The speaker calls the captain again and urges him to rise up and hear the bells. The flag, the bugle, the bouquets and the wreaths are all for him. Crowds fill the shores, calling for him and turning their faces toward the ship. The speaker now calls him "dear father!" and puts an arm beneath his head. The speaker says it must be a dream that he has fallen dead on the deck.
The captain does not answer. His lips are pale and still, and he cannot feel the speaker's arm. The ship is anchored safely, its voyage over, and it comes in as a victor with its object won. The speaker tells the shores to exult and the bells to ring. But the speaker walks the deck with a mournful step, where the captain lies dead.
Themes and meaning
Victory and loss arrive at the same moment. Each stanza opens on the success of the voyage and closes on the body. The claim that "the prize we sought is won" in line 3 is answered by "Fallen cold and dead" in line 9. The structure lets neither feeling cancel the other. The crowd's joy is real, but the speaker cannot share it.
The poem sets a crowd against a single mourner. The shore holds "the people all exulting" (line 4) and "the swaying mass" (line 14). They see the ship, its flag and its bugle, not the body on the deck. Only the speaker kneels by the captain. The last stanza divides the two plainly: "Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!" and then "But I, with mournful tread".
The captain is both commander and parent. The speaker moves from "my Captain!" to "dear father!" in line 15. Lines 20–21 pair the two titles again: "My Captain does not answer" and "My father does not feel my arm". The shift turns loyalty to a leader into a child's love. The captain dies just as his task is finished, having brought the ship through "every rack".
The stanzas trace a movement from denial to acceptance. In stanza two the speaker orders the captain to "rise up" and calls the death "some dream" (line 17). In stanza three the speaker states the facts flatly. The refrain changes to match. "You've fallen cold and dead" speaks to the captain, while the final refrain speaks about him.
The ship, the voyage and the captain invite a symbolic reading. The poem never says what the "fearful trip" was or what "the prize" is. Many readers take the ship as the nation and the captain as its leader. The public images of flags, bugles and cheering crowds support that reading. The poem also works as a literal scene of a sea captain dying at the end of a voyage.
Tone
The tone mixes celebration with grief, and grief wins. The opening lines are loud and exclamatory, full of bells and cheering. Then the short lines drop into shock: "But O heart! heart! heart!" The blood on the deck is described with stark directness.
In stanza two the voice turns pleading and tender. The speaker calls the captain "dear father!" and cradles his head. The words "It is some dream" show a mind refusing what it sees.
Stanza three is quieter and more final. The speaker states facts in plain clauses, such as "he has no pulse nor will". The close is solemn. The speaker grants the shores their joy and tells the bells to ring. Yet the speaker walks alone "with mournful tread".
Form and structure
The text runs 27 lines in 3 stanzas of 9, counting each stanza's numeral as a line. Each stanza has eight lines of verse. Four long lines come first, then four short lines, each indented further than the last.
The long lines carry up to 15 syllables in a loose iambic rhythm. The line "The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won" is a regular iambic heptameter, often called a fourteener. Endings such as "exulting" and "daring" add an unstressed syllable. The short lines are roughly iambic trimeter and tetrameter. In line 6 the metre breaks, with three stressed words: "heart! heart! heart!"
The long lines rhyme in couplets, such as "done" and "won" and "still" and "will". Some pairs are near rhymes, like "exulting" and "daring". In the short lines the second and fourth rhyme, and the fourth always ends on "dead". A refrain, "Fallen cold and dead", closes stanzas one and three.
Poetic devices
Apostrophe line 2
O CAPTAIN! my Captain! The speaker addresses the captain directly, though he is dead. The doubled call, repeated at the start of stanza two, sounds like an attempt to wake him.
Extended metaphor line 3
The ship has weather'd every rack The voyage through storms is sustained across all three stanzas. It lets the poem speak of a hard, completed struggle without naming it.
Internal rhyme line 4
The port is near, the bells I hear The chime of 'near' and 'hear' inside the line imitates the ringing bells and quickens the sense of arrival.
Synecdoche line 5
the steady keel The keel, one part of the ship, stands for the whole vessel as the crowd watches it come in. 'Steady' stresses that the ship held its course.
Repetition line 6
But O heart! heart! heart! The word is repeated three times with no verb. The speech breaks down into a cry, and the celebration stops dead.
Imagery line 7
O the bleeding drops of red A single vivid colour image of blood on the deck. It cuts sharply against the bells and cheering of the lines before.
Alliteration line 12
the flag is flung The repeated 'f' gives a brisk, festive sound to the honours being paid, which the speaker knows the captain cannot see.
Anaphora line 13
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding The repeated 'for you' piles up tributes. The insistence becomes painful, since the man they are for is dead.
Metaphor line 15
dear father! The captain is now called a father. The title shows the depth of the speaker's attachment and moves the grief from public to personal.
Contrast line 25
But I, with mournful tread, The 'But' sets the lone mourner against the shores and bells commanded to rejoice in the line before.
Refrain line 27
Fallen cold and dead. The same flat phrase ends each stanza in some form. Its return gives the poem the weight of a funeral march.
Words worth knowing
rack
Here a storm, or the wind-driven cloud that goes with one. To have 'weather'd every rack' is to have survived every storm.
keel
The long timber along the bottom of a ship, its backbone. Here it stands for the whole ship.
exulting
Rejoicing loudly in triumph. The same verb returns as a command in 'Exult, O shores'.
trills
Sounds with a rapid, quivering run of notes, as a bugle does in a fanfare.
a-crowding
An old form meaning 'crowding'. The 'a-' prefix marks an action in progress, so the shores are filling with people.
tread
A footstep, or the manner of walking. A 'mournful tread' is the slow step of a mourner.
Context
Walt Whitman lived from 1819 to 1892. The archive's text of the poem comes from Leaves of Grass, in an edition dated 1900.
What readers have said
emily petersen read the poem as a son crying out to a dying father. She took the father's not feeling the speaker's arm to mean he never wanted his son's support. emily petersen, 2004
Gunnar replied that the conventional reading ties the poem to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. He added that a grieving nation took it up at once and that it was Whitman's most widely read poem while he was alive. Gunnar, 2004
STINGER accepted Lincoln as the captain but asked why the captain commands a ship. STINGER's answer was that the ship is the United States itself, on a journey from divided to united states and from slavery to freedom. STINGER, 2004
John B. Devoe memorized the poem in grammar school and can still recite it. He argued it is not about the author's father or about slavery, but about the preservation of the Union, which was the prize won. Col. John B. Devoe USAF (Ret.), 2006
Greg said the repeated 'heart' in line 6 made him almost hear gunshots. He noticed how the speaker's title for the captain grows from captain to my captain to father. Greg, 2006
Niessie asked whether "Here Captain! dear father!" is the swaying crowd calling out, and whether the arm beneath the head means someone is holding up the fallen body. Niessie, 2007
The poem o captain my captain to me was analysed as a cry to his fatheron his death bed. hes crying out to his father with the pain he fells for him. "but o heart! heart1 heart!" he also wants to let his father know that he is always their for him, but his father dose not relise it. "my father dose not feel my arm, he has no pulse or will." he says it like his father is not trying. like his father never wanted to…
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The poem o captain my captain to me was analysed as a cry to his fatheron his death bed. hes crying out to his father with the pain he fells for him. "but o heart! heart1 heart!" he also wants to let his father know that he is always their for him, but his father dose not relise it. "my father dose not feel my arm, he has no pulse or will." he says it like his father is not trying. like his father never wanted to have support from his son. when he says, "from fearfull trip," he was talking about the hardships in his fathers life that they had to face, such as raising his nine kids. walt whitman is one of my many favort writers, not ony becuse of what is realy behind his poems, but what they realy contain. this is my first time writing down what i thought a poem ment, i always just do it in my head. but this one is realy a true favorit and it desurved it. please email me and tell me what you think.
Emily, thanks for posting your view on this poem. The conventional take on "O Captain! My Captain!" is that it was written in response to the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln in 1865. The poem was immediately seized upon by a grieving nation, and actually the most widely read of Whitman's poems during his own lifetime. In fact, he was asked to recite the poem so many times in the years to follow that he…
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Emily, thanks for posting your view on this poem.
The conventional take on "O Captain! My Captain!" is that it was written in response to the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln in 1865. The poem was immediately seized upon by a grieving nation, and actually the most widely read of Whitman's poems during his own lifetime. In fact, he was asked to recite the poem so many times in the years to follow that he said "I'm almost sorry I ever wrote it," though it had "certain emotional immediate reasons for being."
That being said, anyone is free to interpret a poem in their own way. This particular poem can be read in many ways, and you can insert any type of paternal figure as the "Captain", including of course your own father, with good effect.
I think the poem "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman is a very creative but inspiring and true at the same time. This is because he describes Abraham Lincoln's death (assassination), and it can be used in many ways including the way Emily Peterson analyzes it. I think it is one of his best poems!
Willis, Emily Peterson is entitled to her opinion. She may not have known what the poem was originally written for. Your insult wasn't neccessary at all.
On another note, I think that "O Captain! My Captain" is a beautifully written poem with a lot of emotion on it.
Can anyone give me a good site that has a lot or criticism on it?
Brittney
LaurenUnited States
I am writing a critical analysis of O Captain! My Captain! but i'm having trouble writing an entire paper based solely on the Abraham Lincoln//Civil War symbolism, if anyone can throw any other ideas my way i'd appreciate it.
This is my favorite Whitman poem. I think if he would ahve tried to use a different set of symbols for the war and the assanation it wouldn't have been as effective.
GailCanada
This is one of my favorite poems. Did you know that after Israel's prime minister Yitzhak Rabin was assasinated 9 years ago, this poem was trasnlated into Hebrew. It had a very similar effect on Israelies as it did on Americans who first heard the poem after Lincoln's assassination. It is a very powerful poem.
Abraham ProffittUnited States
This is my Favorite poem of Walt Whitman. I read it often around school and people say it's weird. My first name is the same as Abraham Lincoln's. In ninth grade I presented a report on Abraham Lincoln and this poem means something different to me now. Thanks!
Kt ConUnited States
I had to read this poem in class and it is just the greatest! I love how it flows and how dead is veiwed somewhat as a surprise. It seems that the narorator is unassure at first to if he is really dead...BUT IT STILL IS AWESOME!
SabrinaCanada
i thought it was a great poem and i enjoyed reading it! because had this amazing flow through it
Alexis MoralesUnited States
This poem is amazing and h knew just how to use all those words to make this poem so powerful and meaningful. It took me a while to really understand it but then it came to me and the chills just ran right through me. its wonderful!
Hunter Lewis
When I read this poem I also think of a father. This father was on a long voyage to help his son. He has finally achieved it therefor having no more will to live. The son, finally touched by his father, does not wish for his father to go, but yet his captian lays cold and dead.
ok first of all to make it clear i did know he wrote it about abe. william blake is my favorit favorit writer. poets often cover up what their realy writing about. maby he didnt want people to know that this was about this father so he used abe as a cover. i know i do crap like that all the time. its all how you look at it.my fav. from him is The Tiger. and also the sick rose. i love too much. well anyways thanx for your input....but i like to relate stuff to me cuzzz i think i conect with it more and i love it more.
STINGERUnited Kingdom
Whilst is almost certain that this poem was indeed moitvated by the assasination of Lincoln ('captain') i think it important to consider the anology of the ship setting. Why is the 'captain' a captain of a ship as opposed to another vehicle.? The ship in question, i belive, is the US itself. The journey of the divided states to the united states, the slavery to slave freedom-Lincoln involvment - thus ...'the prize…
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Whilst is almost certain that this poem was indeed moitvated by the assasination of Lincoln ('captain') i think it important to consider the anology of the ship setting. Why is the 'captain' a captain of a ship as opposed to another vehicle.? The ship in question, i belive, is the US itself. The journey of the divided states to the united states, the slavery to slave freedom-Lincoln involvment - thus ...'the prize we sought is won'...'the victors ship comes in with object won'. there are more than 2 different underlying facets to this poem which i think are often overlooked. further, whilst no doubt a compelling poem that has attrected much attention, it is also, therefore, a hugely overated poem of whitman's - there being many better and more precise examples witihn the combined body of 'leaves of grass'.
i agree with emily peterson! i also agree with brittney because there are so many different ways that a poem can be viewed, depending on different senarios that have affected them, so there is no wrong point of view!
ninaUnited States
i think this poem is a great view of lincolns assasination. i had to read this poem in class nd its a awesome poem. walt witman is a great poet nd i love his work... thats alllllllll
Amir MeidanIsrael
was translated to hebrew by the great Israeli poet Naomi Shemer, after the assasination of the Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin at Nov. 4 1995. This poem is read and sung each and every year since then. It is a very strong and moving poem in Hebrew as well as in English.
Poemipe louverIceland
I love this poem, it makes me feel warm inside but also said cause it talk about Ab Lincoln dieing! It is well written and has good rythem! I rate it a 9 out of 10 on my fav poem list!!!
WHyUnited States
I think that their destination is a goal and to acheive thaqt goal there will be sacrifices and the captain in the peom represents the sacrifice
maury roseUnited States
I was class president in the 9th grade and was instructed to memorize "Oh Captain My Captain", I am now 72 years old and still remember this up lifting poem about Abe Lincoln. I entered this web site to see if I remembered every word as it should have been.
scott macpheeUnited States
I had to memorize this poem for third grade.
DAVID JAMESUnited States
THIS POEM IS SO WONDERFUL. I LIE AWAKE JUST THINKING HOW WONDERFUL IT MAKES ME FEEL. I THINK MR. WALT WHITMAN WAS THE GREATEST AND I MEAN GREATEST WRITER OF ALL TIME.
MalloryUnited States
It really says a lot about Lincoln's death and how walt Whitman put the words to say that was pretty cool.
MeganUnited States
I honestly did not know this poem was about Honest Abe. I just thought that it was funny. I am very glad that I picked Walt for this project.
Well...I think this is a great poem, I also agree with Rebecca, there are different point of views. Eitherway, hopefully eveyone enjoys this poem as much as I did!That's all I wanted to say!
I happened to stumble on this website while i was doing ym english project on whitman. And it was a great help all the comments in this forum allowed me to get a great feedback on a poem i thought was one dimensional. EMily's idea about the poem being about his father was awesome and i expanded on that and looked at this poem in a new light. Whitman is my favorite poet and i am glad that i found a new dimension on this poem
HilaryUnited States
I read this poem along with Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" at a speech tournement and won 2nd place. I love the meaning attached to the poem and the reason it was written.
I also think that Walt Whitman is a great poet. I also agree with Nadia about how we think that Walt Whitman used a ship as a symbol just to represent the US itself, witch I think is very clever. It also flows very nicely and is one of the best poems I have read in my life.
AshleyAustralia
I thought this poem was very depressing. I'm not a fan of this particular poem!
kristaUnited States
what is clearly apparent with this poem is the reason. after some brief research, whitman wrote it shortly after lincoln's assassignation. whitman is using the ship as a representation of the united states democracy and the captain as lincoln himself. this poem has a very... somewhat odd, superstitious feel to it but ends in great sorrow and pain. this has always been one of my favorites!
JacquelineChina
It's sad, soooooo sad. The leader has no chance to see the victory of the war that he led. Whitman uses captain to represent Lincoln, and the ship to symbolize the war. The captain cannot celebrate the success of the voyage, which arouses the exact sense of sadness.
bob the builderUnited States
i think this is a realy good poem to do reports on, because there are so many ways to look at it
Hillel DavisUnited States
hi Mrs. H! I finaly did research on Walt Whitman, and this is my proof. Just don't read the date it was submitted!
AmandaUnited States
hey mr. stokes, i really did reaserch on the author. i was assigned to "learn" (memorize) this poem and do reaserch on it. i thought i was stuck with a boring poem but i really learned to like it, its really neat, i have 2/3 of it memorized already!
KevinUnited States
This is a very sad poem of the assasinasion of President Lincoln who haven't got a chance to celebrate his victory.
leo
From this poem we can see that Whitman is full of love with his country,and president,Lincoln.i was very moved by it.
JenniferUnited States
I can visualize the scene laid out in the poem. I ccould hear the cries of the people on the shore. I could feel the writer's sorrow. Beautiful and eloquent, this poem is extremely moving.
dude, how much poetry do you realy read? ya walt whitman is a great writer, but hes not the best. i dont belive there can ever be. word of advise "explor" try william blake, ann sexton, umm....read some of my work....lol ok you dont have to go that far. but its like only eating oranges and not even lookin for the strawbarys.
NickUnited States
Probably one of my favourite poems of all time. . . a very wonderful and deep piece
MattUnited States
hmmmm in my opinion the ship is represenative of lincoln's life because whitman says that the ship is safe and sound....almost to go along with lincoln's strong religious beliefs that his ship is anchored in heaven or whatever it may be.
it's a good and interesting poem,give us inspiration how to be a good leader in our country.How wonderful this city coz the people can feel comfortable,though the leader can't feel his victory.I appreciate u,,,,oo thanks aniway'''******"""BON NUIT""""
sondang sIndonesia
i like this poems because this poem teach how to act to be a good leader.
MarcelloUnited States
A band made an acoustic song from this poem, its very good actually. You should all check it out if you have a chance. It's called O Captain my Captain by Asteria
Cat DancerUnited States
This is one of my favorite poems from my favorite poet about who I condider by far the best president on the United States! "Now he belongs to the ages"
StephenUnited Kingdom
Those interested in the inspiration for Whitman's use of the "captain" should research the relief of the siege of derry [phone removed]
flor
I think that in this poem the ship is the country not his life
leaPhilippines
i really love this poem.It has a very strong and deep meaning.Our high school literature teacher asked us to memorize this poem for our graded recitation. im not boasting but i got a hundred percent mark. i did it well that i brought her to tears.
Rhonda KidderUnited States
Whitman was an awesome poet and I love reading his work. I also enjoy reading the comments written by so many viewers.
Kasparov101Yugoslavia
This poem is exquisite. I love how it flows so smoothly. Great rhymes, and a great topic to write about, although I have to be honest: I did not know it was about Abe Lincoln's assassination.
KathrynUnited States
I heard of this poem through a movie called 'The Dead Poets Society' and I think that the poem sounds even better when I read the whole thing instead of just knowing one line.
melanieUnited States
This poem was assigned by my middle school teacher to annalyse the hidden meaning. Once i figure it out that this was about Abe Lincoln, the pieces began to fall together. And i think this was a very moving poem that should not be easily forgotten
Mr. ReviewUnited States
this poem is simply alot of dribble scuered together to for a sad story of a president death, although i applaud the effort put into this "poem" i would have to say that it is simply to ordinary to be given any sort of heavenly placed comment there for i will have to give this poem a 2 out of 5 if your oppinion difers i will be happy to hesar from you, P.S. "The Dead Poet Society" was an excelent movie.I give it an A
biniIndia
my favourite recitation poem with full of emotions.
saraUnited States
this poem is so inspiaring and real. it has so much hidden meaning that if you take time to find, you can never forget.
MirandaUnited States
My english teacher explained this poem to our class, and when I found out it was about Abe Lincoln, I was like, "cool!" This poem is really inspiring
BulbulIndia
This poem is really heart touching. This poem is full emotions.The way the poet has described his emotions on the death of the captain is really fantastic.
belleUnited States
I love this poem. It's about the only one that he wrote that isn't self serving. I like how it is a touching tribute to Lincoln. Although the only way Lincoln ever achieved greatness was because the south wanted more state rights and put up a fight for it. That is a whole different subject matter althogether. I like how the poem flows and Whitman's use of words. It's very fitting and it's his way of immoralizing Lincoln.
DwarkeshJapan
This Poem is very touching and can penetrate the hardest of rocks. I have not felt any poem before that can give a concussion on a respect for someone that deep. Simply amazing!!!!!
saud al samKuwait
for me i heard it on tv then i researched it on the web and i found that it is not only inspiring but also got me to think and research about ebraham linkin
It talks about Abraham Lincolns Assasssination during the end of the Civil War. I think it was a good peom but hard to understand
DesruesFrance
I am French. This poem was given to me by an American soldier at the Liberation !I know it by heart ...Since that time it moves me as much as before . I love America !
AharonIsrael
I came to know this great poem, as most of the israeli people, at the memorial gathering after the assasination of Itzhak Rabin, our Prime-Minister, on November 4 1995. In any language you may choose, Whitman's poem is an everlasting memorial stand to the CAPTAINS, the leaders of truth, who lost their life to hatered and ignorance.
Alas the country who share the loss for her captain, Hail the counry blessed with poets as Whitman.
BarryIsrael
This poem never ceases to move me. Whitman was a genius and a good human being who gave 3 years of his life working in the hospitals tending to wounded in the Civil War. America's greatest poet
humaPakistan
this poem is written nicely an in this poem i can see a hidden truth of life that people want freedom from slavery
This Poem is really good because it talks about Abraham Lincolns Death during the Civil War. I think that it is referring Abraham Lincoln as the Captain and we are the ship. Without a captain we are a ship without order.
ShannonUnited States
I thought the poem was interesting, and i remember seeing it on a tv show once, but anyway it is a cool poem.
Phoebe ZajacUnited States
i really enjoyed this poem, because i read a book called becoming mary mehan, its about an irish girl and how the irish aren't able to get a good job, and are almost like slaves, but not as bad. in this book walt whitman tried to get mary to visit dying soldiers in the hospital and goes in there a lot himself, near the end mary does go in and sees a man, this man is missing a leg, and mary pretends she is his sister…
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i really enjoyed this poem, because i read a book called becoming mary mehan, its about an irish girl and how the irish aren't able to get a good job, and are almost like slaves, but not as bad. in this book walt whitman tried to get mary to visit dying soldiers in the hospital and goes in there a lot himself, near the end mary does go in and sees a man, this man is missing a leg, and mary pretends she is his sister and tries to make the end of his life as happy as possible, she tells him that she already told his mom that he had been brave, then she sees him die. she only goes in because her brother died in the war. i am doing a report in class, i am analysing what walt was trying to say in his poems, and what it means to me, im going to try to finish it tonight, thank you for reading what i have to say Phoebe Zajac 7th grade
AngelUnited States
This poem is AMAZING! just the fact that he puts the hurt that he is clearly feeling into it is powerful. I love it.
lizabethUnited States
i love this poem....when you first read this you think that he is talkin about a boat and its captain....but its really about abrahim lincoln
pearlChina
Hello,i am one of the graduates in China. I am looking for reference about this poem in my thesis .i like Whitman's poem .And i need you hand .Thank you
KritiIndia
hello, its a really stirring poem .....i am actually a student n it is in my course...i luv to study abt it!!!!i need its summary...
shweta singhalIndia
he is a great poet indeed n i believe this is his one of the best poem. very nicely written describing all emotions various similis metaphors and personifications leads to the creation of a masterpiece
i think that this poem is about abraham lincoln and how the civil war just ended and everyone( well not every one...) is rejoicing and soon after abraham licoln is killed
Walt Whitman is one of the best, if not the best, writer of all time. There seems to never be a flaw to his poems. I love the symbolism in this poem that relates to Abraham Lincoln's death. When Whitman repeats heart! heart! heart!, I can almost hear gunshots. I can hear the ringing and the cheering of the crowds after the unification of the states. I love how Whitman first refers to Lincoln as just a captain and…
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Walt Whitman is one of the best, if not the best, writer of all time. There seems to never be a flaw to his poems. I love the symbolism in this poem that relates to Abraham Lincoln's death. When Whitman repeats heart! heart! heart!, I can almost hear gunshots. I can hear the ringing and the cheering of the crowds after the unification of the states. I love how Whitman first refers to Lincoln as just a captain and then adds in my captain and also describes him as a father. It seems to show his personal liking for the president. The father also seems to show some biblical allusion to me, as if Lincoln was a savior to America. It is great when Whitman says "The ship is anchor'd safe and sound" because it shows like a real captain, Lincoln went to all measures to finish the "voyage" of the "ship" (US) and the "fearful trip" (civil war) even if that resulted in his death. Even after he describes Lincoln's death, he still says crowds are cheering, and should still be cheering for the influential president. I love how Whitman describes seeing the dead man as a "dream", almost like he doesn't believe it is happening and just wants to wake up. Such a glorious dream became a nightmare. Priceless. When I was done reading the poem, I noticed that the stanzas were all shaped like the front of a ship, and started with the word 'captain' as though the captain is on the deck. Did anyone else notice this?
o captain my captain is a great poem written by Walt Whitman. Tthis poem is an elegy on the death of Abraham Lincoin . the poet did not express his feelings directly he uses symbols and metaphors, the captain is Abraham Lincoin, the president ;USA is the ship; the voyage, fearful journey is the civil war-the war against slavery. in this poem the poet expresses his grave and sadness, because Abraham was his beloved…
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o captain my captain is a great poem written by Walt Whitman. Tthis poem is an elegy on the death of Abraham Lincoin . the poet did not express his feelings directly he uses symbols and metaphors, the captain is Abraham Lincoin, the president ;USA is the ship; the voyage, fearful journey is the civil war-the war against slavery. in this poem the poet expresses his grave and sadness, because Abraham was his beloved leader. This man , Abraham, was very bold and fearless person, he took the case of Negro slave seriously . he said Negro should be treated as human beings , he was against the idea of Negro slave. None is inferior to another , all human are equal. Abraham was very proud of himself so he asked others to be proud of themselves. When the sip came back from it’s trip , people wanted to honor their leader, but they were disappointed to know their leader was no more .Walt Whitman was in the ship, he was very sorry to hear the news of the death of Abraham. His death was not natural one , he was assassinated . The poet says the fearful journey is over. it is successful ,because slavery is over. Negro get the right of equality. When the poet says :o captain , my captain rise up and hear the bells I felt as if I was there trying to make the captain to wake up. People are waiting to welcome him . people are gathered to honor him . but Abraham did not move he was died .
this poem is not as good as I expected. I had heard that it was better
JamesUnited States
I disagree, this is a good poem
GregUnited States
You don't know why this poem is so famous? Maybe it's because so many people liked it...
RegCanada
No, this peom is no good. how it is famos I dont knpw
MattUnited States
Maybe its known by all of us because its just a good poem... Can we help the fact that Walt Whitman was one of the most known Naturalist poets out there???
milanaUnited States
i enjoyed this poem. i really get the symbolizm. i just wish i knew why he wrote it.
gewnUnited States
While doing research to help my group poetry and analyzing, I ran into this site. The comments are very interesting and helped me a lot. I finally understand all of the symbolism and such. I thought there were no hidden meanings. I thank everyone so much for helping me, i now understand it.
In the 8th grade i had to memorize this poem as a project. i got really good and could say it in less than a minute. but that isn't the point, the point is i decided to do some research on it because it was interesting and not very clear. but what i found out was that this poem really was created in honor of Abraham Lincoln's death after the Civil War, just in case any one was wondering.
Col. John B. Devoe USAF (Ret.)United States
I was required to memorize this poem in grammar school in the year 1933...I can still recite it from memory. I would make the observation that the poem is surely not about the author's father, not about slavery, but rather the preservation (not the creation) of the Union. That was the goal that was won. That was the goal sought and achieved, not the elimination of slavery. Lincoln himself expressed that view but…
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I was required to memorize this poem in grammar school in the year 1933...I can still recite it from memory.
I would make the observation that the poem is surely not about the author's father, not about slavery, but rather the preservation (not the creation) of the Union. That was the goal that was won.
That was the goal sought and achieved, not the elimination of slavery. Lincoln himself expressed that view but desired to end slavery as well.
It was slavery (the extension of it to other states the goal of the Rebels) that was the cause of the war, but Lincoln's goal was the preservation of the Union.
A great-grandfather of mine, Commander of the Fifth Michigan Infantry, died for that cause on 3 May 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
SpinnaUnited States
This poem was quite intellegently created as to devise such an emotion as to stir the nation into the believence of this ever such event taking place. It did not, but will remain in our hearts as taking occurence in the USA. You may agree or disagree. That is your choice alone, but remember this poem is the heart of our nation. No matter your opinion
CoreyUnited States
This is a great poem and should be heard all over the country!!!
Sarah
It did not seem obvious at first, but this poem is about Lincoln's death, and the re-united country. When Whitman mention's the prize to that was won, The prize is actually the civil war, that began the recreation of the union. Lincoln did not, nor did many of the northerners, want the slaves to be able to vote, or even, to be free. He acts as a good president, negotiating with the different political figures and…
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It did not seem obvious at first, but this poem is about Lincoln's death, and the re-united country. When Whitman mention's the prize to that was won, The prize is actually the civil war, that began the recreation of the union. Lincoln did not, nor did many of the northerners, want the slaves to be able to vote, or even, to be free. He acts as a good president, negotiating with the different political figures and groups of the time. The emancipation Proclamation, for example, freed no slaves, because the rebelling states did not agree to any laws passed by the united states. It was actually meant to change the cause of the war, and boost northern soldiers morale.
The poem portrays America's loss in the death of Lincoln. It shows him as a father of our nation, and the man who helped bring us together again. The narrorator realizes this and mourns his loss.
JoeyUnited States
like omg i toatlly loved da poem it how can you say rocked my socks! later hunnies peace
chrisUnited States
this was a great poem!!!! no one could of done better!! hey all yall babes out there email me and send me a pic peace!..
I had to memorize this poem and recite it to my 8th grade reading class today. At first, when my teacher read it to my class, I had no idea that it was about Abrham Lincoln. When she told us it was about Abraham Lincoln i said it didn't sound like it was, but after she read us the words and explained to us how they related to him the day he was killed by John Wilks Booth. I understood why he wrote it. I think this is a great and useful poem! If you don't understand it think of it like it is a love poem just meant for you, and let the words explain themselves like your boyfriend or husband would if it was in a love poem!
this was an AMAZING poem. it shows people the sadness and the tragedy of Abraham Lincolns death.
kellyUnited States
O CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN, watch the movie 'Dead Poets Society' with Robin Williams this is a great poem
Jamie DavisUnited States
I liked your poems i've only read this one but the others have to be as good as this one is so keep them coming. truley jamie
edd
i have seen several times in the media people standing on chairs (particularly in classrooms) and saying "o captain, my captain!" to teachers. what does that mean/
shobhaIndia
beutiful poem should be read by all .really touching
I dont really understand the context of this poem. I know that it is about Abraham Lincoln, but i dont understand what each stanza means, if any one could help that would be great.
emilyPoland
"Dead Poets Society" explains a lot. Amazing movie and amazing poem.
Alyssa CarsonUnited States
This is the most exciting, moving poem, that I've ever read.
Matt Wainwright
This poem is hexa burley whicked! but seriously this poem is about the assasination of President Lincoln and the victory of the Civil War
Thomas ChamberlinUnited States
This is, in my opinion, one of the best poems written by Walt Whitman. If you don't understand the poem, please try to find out what it means before posting. If you feel the need to post that you don't know what the poem is about, at least take the time to check your spelling... and capitalization... and your grammar... (There is this nifty thing called the Google toolbar. It has a spell check function.) This is not…
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This is, in my opinion, one of the best poems written by Walt Whitman. If you don't understand the poem, please try to find out what it means before posting. If you feel the need to post that you don't know what the poem is about, at least take the time to check your spelling... and capitalization... and your grammar... (There is this nifty thing called the Google toolbar. It has a spell check function.) This is not a chat room; you can take your time to look over your writing before you post. I won't go in-depth about each stanza, as I am sure this has been commented on before. Anyway, if you have not already discovered the meaning of the poem, it is about the death of President Lincoln. This occurred mere days after Drum Taps began printing, and Whitman delayed its printing so he could add a poem about the death of Lincoln.
Tiffany HeimUnited States
This poem is about the speaker celebratimg the victory of the Union in the Civil War, but also the speaker mourns the loss of his "captain." I have enjoyed reading this poem and I shall keep reading it because it is a very moving poem.
Haley JonesUnited States
I love and admire this poem on a personal scale. Last year in 7th grade, I had to pick an author to write a report on and memorize a poem of his. So, as you can guess, Whitman was my choice. What an amazing man he turned out to be, and I had hardly heard of him before then. This poem is so powerful. Not only is it about the dream Lincoln never fully was able to recognize, but in his death, so few people saw what a…
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I love and admire this poem on a personal scale. Last year in 7th grade, I had to pick an author to write a report on and memorize a poem of his. So, as you can guess, Whitman was my choice. What an amazing man he turned out to be, and I had hardly heard of him before then. This poem is so powerful. Not only is it about the dream Lincoln never fully was able to recognize, but in his death, so few people saw what a great person had been lost. Whitman has a knack for that, picking out what normal people miss. Obviously, Whitman was an introvert, as am I, to be able to notice and write such things. To all lovers of poetry and true emotion, watch DPS (Dead Poets Society) starring Robin Williams. It is my favorite movie, and you will easily see why.
P.S.-to "yur mom" from Canada and others like this person: Please do not poison places of art with your disrespect. Sure, it may be funny to your friends and yourself, and you don't have to enjoy this poem, but really, no one really needs to read your obsene comment. Thank you.
thaly_loverJordan
What an amazing poem i love Walt Whitman and especially this poem O Captain! My Captain! and i love also his poem poets to come it is a beautiful poem
Tayuko
I love this great inspiring poem. I am very pleased with this work of Walt Whitman.
joy thomasUnited States
this poem gave me cold chills beyond belief it stunned me of how many feelings he felt for lincon they were so strong if i did not know any better i would think he had s/t for ol pres lincon lol jk i think he had a great amount of respect for him it was just unexsplianable what i felt while reading this strange but in away lovely poem
NiessieUnited States
I have a question: How would you read this part of the poem:
... For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning: Here Captain! dear father! This arm beneath your head! It is some dream that on the deck, you're fallen cold and dead."
Is the "Here Captain!" supposed to be a phrase from the 'swaying crowd'? When it says, "This arm beneath your head!" is it narrating how someone has gotten to Lincoln's body and whoever it is is trying to hold the fallen president's body up?
This poem is one of the most serious and powerful pieces ive had the pleasure to read... it reminds me of my friends and how much I appreciate them and ill be there for them until the end... although this poem is believed to be written about Abraham Lincoln's death, it is never related to that but on a more personal level where the people in the real world are expressing their loyalty and love for the best people in their lives...
NataliaEstonia
This poem was very inspiring. Yet, I thought it was quite sad and depressing.
CarlinaUnited States
As a teen growing up in modern America, I am faced with so many challenges every day. This poem inspired me to live life to the fullest.
when i was in 8th grade i read this poem and it took about a year before i finally could totally analyze it. For whitman to put Abraham and his fight for a union into a poem that makes no mention to either of the subjects related is amazing, its breath taking. I have read a lot a his poetry but this one with the rythum is by far my favorite..i have it memorized and will always..its on of those poems that will never leave your memorie..
I know that this is about the death of our 14th president. But i simply have to agree with Ms. Emily Petersen. After reading her comment, it inspired me to learn more about Walt Whitman. The hardships that he had to encounter, especially after he lost his beloved father, who was a quaker. This poem is pure brilliance.
gelo odestePhilippines
This poem is the best. i really like it. horray to o captain my captain
DemiUnited States
I think this poem is amazing. I am doing it for poetry out loud. If you get a chance see the movie the dead poet society.
GeorgeUnited States
I loved this poem. I really appreciate the comparison between Lincoln and Whitman's father. I find it very sad and strong that Whitman was able to write such a beautiful piece in the wake of two seemingly great men.
suhaizad bin rosliMalaysia
I'm studying this poem in my English class right now.Its a bit hard to find the exact literiture analysis and the simpler one of the poem on the net, thats why I'm analysing the people's comments, and thankfully its helps me to prepare for my presentation.
mandaUnited States
You guys have this poem pinned all wrong. Walt Whitman wrote this poem about Admiral Lord Nelson and the battle of trafalgar. This poem has nothing to do with abe lincoln. The battle of trafalgar is when Nelson finnally beat Napoleon for the last time. He was Captain of the HMS Victory. Walt even refers to that ship in his poem.
its definitely about abraham lincoln. whitman wrote it for him he said that himself. he also said he almost wished he never wrote it because he was asked to recite it so many times following the death of abraham lincoln. hey manda.. youre wrooong.
emzUnited States
i dont understand why you all are saying that it's all about abe lincoln. of course, anything is possible. it's true he could be referring to lincoln as one of the "fathers" of our country. but i never even thought about associating the poem with anybody other than whitman's father or father-figure until i read all of these comments.
AmandaUnited States
O Captain my Captain.
this poem is most definitely about abe lincoln. I don't know who you other people think he's talking about, but it's really abe. Thank you.
Whitman ,the mouthpiece of American pulse and temperament sings the dirge of America at the brutal murder of the great statesman ,-Abraham Lincoln . The poem is on hero-worship and the irrecoverable loss of the national leader. Whitman's memorial functions the en-kindling of the voice of reverence to one who lived for others . The captain in his life stationed himself to a universal-captain . The poem proves to be a flag of American nationality . Subrata Ray .Mousumipara .Uluberia .West Bengal .India .
sdChina
comment
What a good poem!!!
cheyenneUnited States
i love walt whitman
i first heard of walt whitman in a book called "the wind blows backwards". it introduced me to the world of american literiture and now i cant stop reading about it. i feel a lot older than i really am(15) and i feel conected somehow to his poems.
Harshdeep BhailaCanada
Like this poem
This poetry is one of the best one written by whitman coz this poem has a mixed venture of Happiness and Sorrowness..Here in the poem they are happy coz they have got victory nd sad because they have lost their president Lincoln////This poem has inspired me a lot...
The poem o captain my captain to me was analysed as a cry to his fatheron his death bed. hes crying out to his father with the pain he fells for him. "but o heart! heart1 heart!" he also wants to let his father know that he is always their for him, but his father dose not relise it. "my father dose not feel my arm, he has no pulse or will." he says it like his father is not trying. like his father never wanted to…
Read the whole commentThe poem o captain my captain to me was analysed as a cry to his fatheron his death bed. hes crying out to his father with the pain he fells for him. "but o heart! heart1 heart!" he also wants to let his father know that he is always their for him, but his father dose not relise it. "my father dose not feel my arm, he has no pulse or will." he says it like his father is not trying. like his father never wanted to have support from his son. when he says, "from fearfull trip," he was talking about the hardships in his fathers life that they had to face, such as raising his nine kids. walt whitman is one of my many favort writers, not ony becuse of what is realy behind his poems, but what they realy contain. this is my first time writing down what i thought a poem ment, i always just do it in my head. but this one is realy a true favorit and it desurved it. please email me and tell me what you think.
Emily, thanks for posting your view on this poem. The conventional take on "O Captain! My Captain!" is that it was written in response to the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln in 1865. The poem was immediately seized upon by a grieving nation, and actually the most widely read of Whitman's poems during his own lifetime. In fact, he was asked to recite the poem so many times in the years to follow that he…
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thanks for posting your view on this poem.
The conventional take on "O Captain! My Captain!" is that it was written in response to the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln in 1865. The poem was immediately seized upon by a grieving nation, and actually the most widely read of Whitman's poems during his own lifetime. In fact, he was asked to recite the poem so many times in the years to follow that he said "I'm almost sorry I ever wrote it," though it had "certain emotional immediate reasons for being."
That being said, anyone is free to interpret a poem in their own way. This particular poem can be read in many ways, and you can insert any type of paternal figure as the "Captain", including of course your own father, with good effect.
I think the poem "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman is a very creative but inspiring and true at the same time. This is because he describes Abraham Lincoln's death (assassination), and it can be used in many ways including the way Emily Peterson analyzes it. I think it is one of his best poems!
Willis, Emily Peterson is entitled to her opinion. She may not have known what the poem was originally written for. Your insult wasn't neccessary at all.
On another note, I think that "O Captain! My Captain" is a beautifully written poem with a lot of emotion on it.
Can anyone give me a good site that has a lot or criticism on it?
Brittney
I am writing a critical analysis of O Captain! My Captain! but i'm having trouble writing an entire paper based solely on the Abraham Lincoln//Civil War symbolism, if anyone can throw any other ideas my way i'd appreciate it.
This is my favorite Whitman poem. I think if he would ahve tried to use a different set of symbols for the war and the assanation it wouldn't have been as effective.
This is one of my favorite poems. Did you know that after Israel's prime minister Yitzhak Rabin was assasinated 9 years ago, this poem was trasnlated into Hebrew. It had a very similar effect on Israelies as it did on Americans who first heard the poem after Lincoln's assassination. It is a very powerful poem.
This is my Favorite poem of Walt Whitman. I read it often around school and people say it's weird. My first name is the same as Abraham Lincoln's. In ninth grade I presented a report on Abraham Lincoln and this poem means something different to me now. Thanks!
I had to read this poem in class and it is just the greatest! I love how it flows and how dead is veiwed somewhat as a surprise. It seems that the narorator is unassure at first to if he is really dead...BUT IT STILL IS AWESOME!
i thought it was a great poem and i enjoyed reading it! because had this amazing flow through it
This poem is amazing and h knew just how to use all those words to make this poem so powerful and meaningful. It took me a while to really understand it but then it came to me and the chills just ran right through me. its wonderful!
When I read this poem I also think of a father. This father was on a long voyage to help his son. He has finally achieved it therefor having no more will to live. The son, finally touched by his father, does not wish for his father to go, but yet his captian lays cold and dead.
ok first of all to make it clear i did know he wrote it about abe. william blake is my favorit favorit writer. poets often cover up what their realy writing about. maby he didnt want people to know that this was about this father so he used abe as a cover. i know i do crap like that all the time. its all how you look at it.my fav. from him is The Tiger. and also the sick rose. i love too much. well anyways thanx for your input....but i like to relate stuff to me cuzzz i think i conect with it more and i love it more.
Whilst is almost certain that this poem was indeed moitvated by the assasination of Lincoln ('captain') i think it important to consider the anology of the ship setting. Why is the 'captain' a captain of a ship as opposed to another vehicle.? The ship in question, i belive, is the US itself. The journey of the divided states to the united states, the slavery to slave freedom-Lincoln involvment - thus ...'the prize…
Read the whole commentWhilst is almost certain that this poem was indeed moitvated by the assasination of Lincoln ('captain') i think it important to consider the anology of the ship setting. Why is the 'captain' a captain of a ship as opposed to another vehicle.? The ship in question, i belive, is the US itself. The journey of the divided states to the united states, the slavery to slave freedom-Lincoln involvment - thus ...'the prize we sought is won'...'the victors ship comes in with object won'. there are more than 2 different underlying facets to this poem which i think are often overlooked. further, whilst no doubt a compelling poem that has attrected much attention, it is also, therefore, a hugely overated poem of whitman's - there being many better and more precise examples witihn the combined body of 'leaves of grass'.
i really liked this poem . it is very nicely written and flows very well.
i agree with emily peterson! i also agree with brittney because there are so many different ways that a poem can be viewed, depending on different senarios that have affected them, so there is no wrong point of view!
i think this poem is a great view of lincolns assasination. i had to read this poem in class nd its a awesome poem. walt witman is a great poet nd i love his work... thats alllllllll
was translated to hebrew by the great Israeli poet Naomi Shemer, after the assasination of the Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin at Nov. 4 1995. This poem is read and sung each and every year since then. It is a very strong and moving poem in Hebrew as well as in English.
I love this poem, it makes me feel warm inside but also said cause it talk about Ab Lincoln dieing! It is well written and has good rythem!
I rate it a 9 out of 10 on my fav poem list!!!
I think that their destination is a goal and to acheive thaqt goal there will be sacrifices and the captain in the peom represents the sacrifice
I was class president in the 9th grade and was instructed to memorize "Oh Captain My Captain", I am now 72 years old and still remember this up lifting poem about Abe Lincoln. I entered this web site to see if I remembered every word as it should have been.
I had to memorize this poem for third grade.
THIS POEM IS SO WONDERFUL. I LIE AWAKE JUST THINKING HOW WONDERFUL IT MAKES ME FEEL. I THINK MR. WALT WHITMAN WAS THE GREATEST AND I MEAN GREATEST WRITER OF ALL TIME.
It really says a lot about Lincoln's death and how walt Whitman put the words to say that was pretty cool.
I honestly did not know this poem was about Honest Abe. I just thought that it was funny. I am very glad that I picked Walt for this project.
Well...I think this is a great poem, I also agree with Rebecca, there are different point of views. Eitherway, hopefully eveyone enjoys this poem as much as I did!That's all I wanted to say!
I happened to stumble on this website while i was doing ym english project on whitman. And it was a great help all the comments in this forum allowed me to get a great feedback on a poem i thought was one dimensional. EMily's idea about the poem being about his father was awesome and i expanded on that and looked at this poem in a new light. Whitman is my favorite poet and i am glad that i found a new dimension on this poem
I read this poem along with Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" at a speech tournement and won 2nd place. I love the meaning attached to the poem and the reason it was written.
I also think that Walt Whitman is a great poet. I also agree with Nadia about how we think that Walt Whitman used a ship as a symbol just to represent the US itself, witch I think is very clever. It also flows very nicely and is one of the best poems I have read in my life.
I thought this poem was very depressing. I'm not a fan of this particular poem!
what is clearly apparent with this poem is the reason. after some brief research, whitman wrote it shortly after lincoln's assassignation. whitman is using the ship as a representation of the united states democracy and the captain as lincoln himself. this poem has a very... somewhat odd, superstitious feel to it but ends in great sorrow and pain. this has always been one of my favorites!
It's sad, soooooo sad. The leader has no chance to see the victory of the war that he led. Whitman uses captain to represent Lincoln, and the ship to symbolize the war. The captain cannot celebrate the success of the voyage, which arouses the exact sense of sadness.
i think this is a realy good poem to do reports on, because there are so many ways to look at it
hi Mrs. H! I finaly did research on Walt Whitman, and this is my proof. Just don't read the date it was submitted!
hey mr. stokes, i really did reaserch on the author. i was assigned to "learn" (memorize) this poem and do reaserch on it. i thought i was stuck with a boring poem but i really learned to like it, its really neat, i have 2/3 of it memorized already!
This is a very sad poem of the assasinasion of President Lincoln who haven't got a chance to celebrate his victory.
From this poem we can see that Whitman is full of love with his country,and president,Lincoln.i was very moved by it.
I can visualize the scene laid out in the poem. I ccould hear the cries of the people on the shore. I could feel the writer's sorrow. Beautiful and eloquent, this poem is extremely moving.
dude, how much poetry do you realy read? ya walt whitman is a great writer, but hes not the best. i dont belive there can ever be. word of advise "explor"
try william blake, ann sexton, umm....read some of my work....lol ok you dont have to go that far. but its like only eating oranges and not even lookin for the strawbarys.
Probably one of my favourite poems of all time. . . a very wonderful and deep piece
hmmmm in my opinion the ship is represenative of lincoln's life because whitman says that the ship is safe and sound....almost to go along with lincoln's strong religious beliefs that his ship is anchored in heaven or whatever it may be.
it's a good and interesting poem,give us inspiration how to be a good leader in our country.How wonderful this city coz the people can feel comfortable,though the leader can't feel his victory.I appreciate u,,,,oo thanks aniway'''******"""BON NUIT""""
i like this poems because this poem teach how to act to be a good leader.
A band made an acoustic song from this poem, its very good actually. You should all check it out if you have a chance. It's called O Captain my Captain by Asteria
This is one of my favorite poems from my favorite poet about who I condider by far the best president on the United States! "Now he belongs to the ages"
Those interested in the inspiration for Whitman's use of the "captain" should research the relief of the siege of derry [phone removed]
I think that in this poem the ship is the country not his life
i really love this poem.It has a very strong and deep meaning.Our high school literature teacher asked us to memorize this poem for our graded recitation. im not boasting but i got a hundred percent mark. i did it well that i brought her to tears.
Whitman was an awesome poet and I love reading his work. I also enjoy reading the comments written by so many viewers.
This poem is exquisite. I love how it flows so smoothly. Great rhymes, and a great topic to write about, although I have to be honest: I did not know it was about Abe Lincoln's assassination.
I heard of this poem through a movie called 'The Dead Poets Society' and I think that the poem sounds even better when I read the whole thing instead of just knowing one line.
This poem was assigned by my middle school teacher to annalyse the hidden meaning. Once i figure it out that this was about Abe Lincoln, the pieces began to fall together. And i think this was a very moving poem that should not be easily forgotten
this poem is simply alot of dribble scuered together to for a sad story of a president death, although i applaud the effort put into this "poem" i would have to say that it is simply to ordinary to be given any sort of heavenly placed comment there for i will have to give this poem a 2 out of 5 if your oppinion difers i will be happy to hesar from you, P.S. "The Dead Poet Society" was an excelent movie.I give it an A
my favourite recitation poem with full of emotions.
this poem is so inspiaring and real. it has so much hidden meaning that if you take time to find, you can never forget.
My english teacher explained this poem to our class, and when I found out it was about Abe Lincoln, I was like, "cool!" This poem is really inspiring
This poem is really heart touching. This poem is full emotions.The way the poet has described his emotions on the death of the captain is really fantastic.
I love this poem. It's about the only one that he wrote that isn't self serving. I like how it is a touching tribute to Lincoln. Although the only way Lincoln ever achieved greatness was because the south wanted more state rights and put up a fight for it. That is a whole different subject matter althogether. I like how the poem flows and Whitman's use of words. It's very fitting and it's his way of immoralizing Lincoln.
This Poem is very touching and can penetrate the hardest of rocks. I have not felt any poem before that can give a concussion on a respect for someone that deep. Simply amazing!!!!!
for me i heard it on tv then i researched it on the web and i found that it is not only inspiring but also got me to think and research about ebraham linkin
It talks about Abraham Lincolns Assasssination during the end of the Civil War. I think it was a good peom but hard to understand
I am French. This poem was given to me by an American soldier at the Liberation !I know it by heart ...Since that time it moves me as much as before . I love America !
I came to know this great poem, as most of the israeli people, at the memorial gathering after the assasination of Itzhak Rabin, our Prime-Minister, on November 4 1995.
In any language you may choose, Whitman's poem is an everlasting memorial stand to the CAPTAINS, the leaders of truth, who lost their life to hatered and ignorance.
Alas the country who share the loss for her captain,
Hail the counry blessed with poets as Whitman.
This poem never ceases to move me. Whitman was a genius and a good human being who gave 3 years of his life working in the hospitals tending to wounded in the Civil War. America's greatest poet
this poem is written nicely an in this poem i can see a hidden truth of life that people want freedom from slavery
This Poem is really good because it talks about Abraham Lincolns Death during the Civil War. I think that it is referring Abraham Lincoln as the Captain and we are the ship. Without a captain we are a ship without order.
I thought the poem was interesting, and i remember seeing it on a tv show once, but anyway it is a cool poem.
i really enjoyed this poem, because i read a book called becoming mary mehan, its about an irish girl and how the irish aren't able to get a good job, and are almost like slaves, but not as bad. in this book walt whitman tried to get mary to visit dying soldiers in the hospital and goes in there a lot himself, near the end mary does go in and sees a man, this man is missing a leg, and mary pretends she is his sister…
Read the whole commenti really enjoyed this poem, because i read a book called becoming mary mehan, its about an irish girl and how the irish aren't able to get a good job, and are almost like slaves, but not as bad. in this book walt whitman tried to get mary to visit dying soldiers in the hospital and goes in there a lot himself, near the end mary does go in and sees a man, this man is missing a leg, and mary pretends she is his sister and tries to make the end of his life as happy as possible, she tells him that she already told his mom that he had been brave, then she sees him die. she only goes in because her brother died in the war. i am doing a report in class, i am analysing what walt was trying to say in his poems, and what it means to me, im going to try to finish it tonight, thank you for reading what i have to say
Phoebe Zajac 7th grade
This poem is AMAZING! just the fact that he puts the hurt that he is clearly feeling into it is powerful. I love it.
i love this poem....when you first read this you think that he is talkin about a boat and its captain....but its really about abrahim lincoln
Hello,i am one of the graduates in China. I am looking for reference about this poem in my thesis .i like Whitman's poem .And i need you hand .Thank you
hello,
its a really stirring poem .....i am actually a student n it is in my course...i luv to study abt it!!!!i need its summary...
he is a great poet indeed n i believe this is his one of the best poem. very nicely written describing all emotions various similis metaphors and personifications leads to the creation of a masterpiece
i think that this poem is about abraham lincoln and how the civil war just ended and everyone( well not every one...) is rejoicing and soon after abraham licoln is killed
Walt Whitman is one of the best, if not the best, writer of all time. There seems to never be a flaw to his poems. I love the symbolism in this poem that relates to Abraham Lincoln's death. When Whitman repeats heart! heart! heart!, I can almost hear gunshots. I can hear the ringing and the cheering of the crowds after the unification of the states. I love how Whitman first refers to Lincoln as just a captain and…
Read the whole commentWalt Whitman is one of the best, if not the best, writer of all time. There seems to never be a flaw to his poems. I love the symbolism in this poem that relates to Abraham Lincoln's death. When Whitman repeats heart! heart! heart!, I can almost hear gunshots. I can hear the ringing and the cheering of the crowds after the unification of the states. I love how Whitman first refers to Lincoln as just a captain and then adds in my captain and also describes him as a father. It seems to show his personal liking for the president. The father also seems to show some biblical allusion to me, as if Lincoln was a savior to America. It is great when Whitman says "The ship is anchor'd safe and sound" because it shows like a real captain, Lincoln went to all measures to finish the "voyage" of the "ship" (US) and the "fearful trip" (civil war) even if that resulted in his death. Even after he describes Lincoln's death, he still says crowds are cheering, and should still be cheering for the influential president. I love how Whitman describes seeing the dead man as a "dream", almost like he doesn't believe it is happening and just wants to wake up. Such a glorious dream became a nightmare. Priceless. When I was done reading the poem, I noticed that the stanzas were all shaped like the front of a ship, and started with the word 'captain' as though the captain is on the deck. Did anyone else notice this?
o captain my captain is a great poem written by Walt Whitman. Tthis poem is an elegy on the death of Abraham Lincoin . the poet did not express his feelings directly he uses symbols and metaphors, the captain is Abraham Lincoin, the president ;USA is the ship; the voyage, fearful journey is the civil war-the war against slavery. in this poem the poet expresses his grave and sadness, because Abraham was his beloved…
Read the whole commento captain my captain is a great poem written by Walt Whitman. Tthis poem is an elegy on the death of Abraham Lincoin . the poet did not express his feelings directly he uses symbols and metaphors, the captain is Abraham Lincoin, the president ;USA is the ship; the voyage, fearful journey is the civil war-the war against slavery.
in this poem the poet expresses his grave and sadness, because Abraham was his beloved leader. This man , Abraham, was very bold and fearless person, he took the case of Negro slave seriously . he said Negro should be treated as human beings , he was against the idea of Negro slave. None is inferior to another , all human are equal.
Abraham was very proud of himself so he asked others to be proud of themselves.
When the sip came back from it’s trip , people wanted to honor their leader, but they were disappointed to know their leader was no more .Walt Whitman was in the ship, he was very sorry to hear the news of the death of Abraham. His death was not natural one , he was assassinated .
The poet says the fearful journey is over. it is successful ,because slavery is over. Negro get the right of equality.
When the poet says :o captain , my captain rise up and hear the bells
I felt as if I was there trying to make the captain to wake up. People are waiting to welcome him . people are gathered to honor him . but Abraham did not move he was died .
this poem is not as good as I expected. I had heard that it was better
I disagree, this is a good poem
You don't know why this poem is so famous? Maybe it's because so many people liked it...
No, this peom is no good. how it is famos I dont knpw
Maybe its known by all of us because its just a good poem... Can we help the fact that Walt Whitman was one of the most known Naturalist poets out there???
i enjoyed this poem. i really get the symbolizm. i just wish i knew why he wrote it.
While doing research to help my group poetry and analyzing, I ran into this site. The comments are very interesting and helped me a lot. I finally understand all of the symbolism and such. I thought there were no hidden meanings. I thank everyone so much for helping me, i now understand it.
In the 8th grade i had to memorize this poem as a project. i got really good and could say it in less than a minute. but that isn't the point, the point is i decided to do some research on it because it was interesting and not very clear. but what i found out was that this poem really was created in honor of Abraham Lincoln's death after the Civil War, just in case any one was wondering.
I was required to memorize this poem in grammar school in the year 1933...I can still recite it from memory. I would make the observation that the poem is surely not about the author's father, not about slavery, but rather the preservation (not the creation) of the Union. That was the goal that was won. That was the goal sought and achieved, not the elimination of slavery. Lincoln himself expressed that view but…
Read the whole commentI was required to memorize this poem in grammar school in the year 1933...I can still recite it from memory.
I would make the observation that the poem is surely not about the author's father, not about slavery, but rather the preservation (not the creation) of the Union. That was the goal that was won.
That was the goal sought and achieved, not the elimination of slavery. Lincoln himself expressed that view but desired to end slavery as well.
It was slavery (the extension of it to other states the goal of the Rebels) that was the cause of the war, but Lincoln's goal was the preservation of the Union.
A great-grandfather of mine, Commander of the Fifth Michigan Infantry, died for that cause on 3 May 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
This poem was quite intellegently created as to devise such an emotion as to stir the nation into the believence of this ever such event taking place. It did not, but will remain in our hearts as taking occurence in the USA. You may agree or disagree. That is your choice alone, but remember this poem is the heart of our nation. No matter your opinion
This is a great poem and should be heard all over the country!!!
It did not seem obvious at first, but this poem is about Lincoln's death, and the re-united country. When Whitman mention's the prize to that was won, The prize is actually the civil war, that began the recreation of the union. Lincoln did not, nor did many of the northerners, want the slaves to be able to vote, or even, to be free. He acts as a good president, negotiating with the different political figures and…
Read the whole commentIt did not seem obvious at first, but this poem is about Lincoln's death, and the re-united country. When Whitman mention's the prize to that was won, The prize is actually the civil war, that began the recreation of the union.
Lincoln did not, nor did many of the northerners, want the slaves to be able to vote, or even, to be free. He acts as a good president, negotiating with the different political figures and groups of the time. The emancipation Proclamation, for example, freed no slaves, because the rebelling states did not agree to any laws passed by the united states. It was actually meant to change the cause of the war, and boost northern soldiers morale.
The poem portrays America's loss in the death of Lincoln. It shows him as a father of our nation, and the man who helped bring us together again. The narrorator realizes this and mourns his loss.
like omg i toatlly loved da poem it how can you say rocked my socks! later hunnies peace
this was a great poem!!!! no one could of done better!! hey all yall babes out there email me and send me a pic peace!..
I had to memorize this poem and recite it to my 8th grade reading class today. At first, when my teacher read it to my class, I had no idea that it was about Abrham Lincoln. When she told us it was about Abraham Lincoln i said it didn't sound like it was, but after she read us the words and explained to us how they related to him the day he was killed by John Wilks Booth. I understood why he wrote it. I think this is a great and useful poem! If you don't understand it think of it like it is a love poem just meant for you, and let the words explain themselves like your boyfriend or husband would if it was in a love poem!
this was an AMAZING poem. it shows people the sadness and the tragedy of Abraham Lincolns death.
O CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN, watch the movie 'Dead Poets Society' with Robin Williams
this is a great poem
I liked your poems i've only read this one but the others have to be as good as this one is so keep them coming. truley jamie
i have seen several times in the media people standing on chairs (particularly in classrooms) and saying "o captain, my captain!" to teachers.
what does that mean/
beutiful poem should be read by all .really touching
and im sorry Col. John B Devoe if i insulted you because your my heroe even though idont even know you
I dont really understand the context of this poem. I know that it is about Abraham Lincoln, but i dont understand what each stanza means, if any one could help that would be great.
"Dead Poets Society" explains a lot. Amazing movie and amazing poem.
This is the most exciting, moving poem, that I've ever read.
This poem is hexa burley whicked!
but seriously this poem is about the assasination of President Lincoln and the victory of the Civil War
This is, in my opinion, one of the best poems written by Walt Whitman. If you don't understand the poem, please try to find out what it means before posting. If you feel the need to post that you don't know what the poem is about, at least take the time to check your spelling... and capitalization... and your grammar... (There is this nifty thing called the Google toolbar. It has a spell check function.) This is not…
Read the whole commentThis is, in my opinion, one of the best poems written by Walt Whitman.
If you don't understand the poem, please try to find out what it means before posting. If you feel the need to post that you don't know what the poem is about, at least take the time to check your spelling... and capitalization... and your grammar... (There is this nifty thing called the Google toolbar. It has a spell check function.) This is not a chat room; you can take your time to look over your writing before you post.
I won't go in-depth about each stanza, as I am sure this has been commented on before. Anyway, if you have not already discovered the meaning of the poem, it is about the death of President Lincoln. This occurred mere days after Drum Taps began printing, and Whitman delayed its printing so he could add a poem about the death of Lincoln.
This poem is about the speaker celebratimg the victory of the Union in the Civil War, but also the speaker mourns the loss of his "captain." I have enjoyed reading this poem and I shall keep reading it because it is a very moving poem.
I love and admire this poem on a personal scale. Last year in 7th grade, I had to pick an author to write a report on and memorize a poem of his. So, as you can guess, Whitman was my choice. What an amazing man he turned out to be, and I had hardly heard of him before then. This poem is so powerful. Not only is it about the dream Lincoln never fully was able to recognize, but in his death, so few people saw what a…
Read the whole commentI love and admire this poem on a personal scale. Last year in 7th grade, I had to pick an author to write a report on and memorize a poem of his. So, as you can guess, Whitman was my choice. What an amazing man he turned out to be, and I had hardly heard of him before then. This poem is so powerful. Not only is it about the dream Lincoln never fully was able to recognize, but in his death, so few people saw what a great person had been lost. Whitman has a knack for that, picking out what normal people miss. Obviously, Whitman was an introvert, as am I, to be able to notice and write such things.
To all lovers of poetry and true emotion, watch DPS (Dead Poets Society) starring Robin Williams. It is my favorite movie, and you will easily see why.
P.S.-to "yur mom" from Canada and others like this person: Please do not poison places of art with your disrespect. Sure, it may be funny to your friends and yourself, and you don't have to enjoy this poem, but really, no one really needs to read your obsene comment. Thank you.
What an amazing poem i love Walt Whitman and especially this poem O Captain! My Captain! and i love also his poem poets to come it is a beautiful poem
I love this great inspiring poem. I am very pleased with this work of Walt Whitman.
this poem gave me cold chills beyond belief it stunned me of how many feelings he felt for lincon they were so strong if i did not know any better i would think he had s/t for ol pres lincon lol jk i think he had a great amount of respect for him it was just unexsplianable what i felt while reading this strange but in away lovely poem
I have a question: How would you read this part of the poem:
...
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning:
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head!
It is some dream that on the deck,
you're fallen cold and dead."
Is the "Here Captain!" supposed to be a phrase from the 'swaying crowd'? When it says, "This arm beneath your head!" is it narrating how someone has gotten to Lincoln's body and whoever it is is trying to hold the fallen president's body up?
I LOVE this poem it reminds me of why we need friends and what we believe in this is why I LOVE this poem!!
~kiona~
This poem is one of the most serious and powerful pieces ive had the pleasure to read... it reminds me of my friends and how much I appreciate them and ill be there for them until the end... although this poem is believed to be written about Abraham Lincoln's death, it is never related to that but on a more personal level where the people in the real world are expressing their loyalty and love for the best people in their lives...
This poem was very inspiring. Yet, I thought it was quite sad and depressing.
As a teen growing up in modern America, I am faced with so many challenges every day. This poem inspired me to live life to the fullest.
awesome, v. moving
I love how Whitman can relate a captain to Abraham Lincoln dieing for his country or ship in this case.
I think that this poem isreally showing emotion and I feel like I'm there when I read it
when i was in 8th grade i read this poem and it took about a year before i finally could totally analyze it. For whitman to put Abraham and his fight for a union into a poem that makes no mention to either of the subjects related is amazing, its breath taking. I have read a lot a his poetry but this one with the rythum is by far my favorite..i have it memorized and will always..its on of those poems that will never leave your memorie..
This poem is very sad, yet I feel joy.
I know that this is about the death of our 14th president. But i simply have to agree with Ms. Emily Petersen. After reading her comment, it inspired me to learn more about Walt Whitman. The hardships that he had to encounter, especially after he lost his beloved father, who was a quaker. This poem is pure brilliance.
This poem is the best. i really like it. horray to o captain my captain
I think this poem is amazing. I am doing it for poetry out loud. If you get a chance see the movie the dead poet society.
I loved this poem. I really appreciate the comparison between Lincoln and Whitman's father. I find it very sad and strong that Whitman was able to write such a beautiful piece in the wake of two seemingly great men.
I'm studying this poem in my English class right now.Its a bit hard to find the exact literiture analysis and the simpler one of the poem on the net, thats why I'm analysing the people's comments, and thankfully its helps me to prepare for my presentation.
You guys have this poem pinned all wrong. Walt Whitman wrote this poem about Admiral Lord Nelson and the battle of trafalgar. This poem has nothing to do with abe lincoln. The battle of trafalgar is when Nelson finnally beat Napoleon for the last time. He was Captain of the HMS Victory. Walt even refers to that ship in his poem.
THIS POEM IS ABOUT ABRAHAM LINCOLN...and nothing else
its definitely about abraham lincoln. whitman wrote it for him he said that himself. he also said he almost wished he never wrote it because he was asked to recite it so many times following the death of abraham lincoln.
hey manda.. youre wrooong.
i dont understand why you all are saying that it's all about abe lincoln. of course, anything is possible. it's true he could be referring to lincoln as one of the "fathers" of our country. but i never even thought about associating the poem with anybody other than whitman's father or father-figure until i read all of these comments.
O Captain my Captain.
this poem is most definitely about abe lincoln. I don't know who you other people think he's talking about, but it's really abe. Thank you.
Lincoln the captain of America
Whitman ,the mouthpiece of American pulse and temperament
sings the dirge of America at the brutal murder of the great statesman ,-Abraham Lincoln .
The poem is on hero-worship and the irrecoverable loss of the national leader.
Whitman's memorial functions the en-kindling of the voice of reverence to one who lived for others .
The captain in his life stationed himself to a universal-captain .
The poem proves to be a flag of American nationality .
Subrata Ray .Mousumipara .Uluberia .West Bengal .India .
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What a good poem!!!
i love walt whitman
i first heard of walt whitman in a book called "the wind blows backwards". it introduced me to the world of american literiture and now i cant stop reading about it. i feel a lot older than i really am(15) and i feel conected somehow to his poems.
Like this poem
This poetry is one of the best one written by whitman coz this poem has a mixed venture of Happiness and Sorrowness..Here in the poem they are happy coz they have got victory nd sad because they have lost their president Lincoln////This poem has inspired me a lot...