Dealing with Death in Whitman’s O Captain! My Captain! and Tennyson’s Crossing the Bar

Dealing with Death in Whitman’s O Captain! My Captain! and Tennyson’s Crossing the Bar

Life and death are recurring topics in literature; they are not often referred to directly, but are inferred from figurative language. In Walt Whitman’s poem entitled “O Captain! My Captain” from his anthology of poems, Leaves of Grass, he describes the passing of Abraham Lincoln through the use of an extended metaphor. Similarly, “Crossing the Bar,” by Lord Alfred Tennyson, from his collection of poetry, Demeter and Other Poems, alludes to one’s preparation for his or her own death. At times, the two authors utilize similar techniques, employing various figurative language devices such as extended metaphors, diction and format, which all work to highlight their differences in meaning. Through the use of imagery, the authors’ poems invoke various emotions but end up leading to the discussion of two different journeys, one that is elegiac in memory of a historical figure, and the other applicable to all those who are facing death. The two poems share some common characteristics, as both make nautical references and deal with various stages of death.

The two authors use capitalization to place emphasis on the titles of the characters in the poem. As in Whitman’s poem, he addresses the subject of the poem as “O Captain! My Captain,” who is the one leading the “ship” (2) that is nearing the port. This is an allusion to President Abraham Lincoln, who led the United States after the Civil War. Tennyson’s poem discusses the time when one will be “put out to sea” (4) to see the “Pilot face to face” (15). The subject in Tennyson’s poem lacks a name, and therefore can be applied to any individual, but the “Pilot” (15) refers to t...

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...n, metaphors and imagery to memorialize the fallen captain, Abraham Lincoln and to give him the proper praise for his work for the United States. Tennyson’s subject is preparing for the end of his time, which is demonstrated through word choice and imagery. Through the use of literary devices, one can see the true similarities between the two poems, as both discuss death related topics through nautical metaphors, but also highlight the true differences in themes and meanings between Whitman and Tennyson’s poems.

Works Cited

Alfred Lord Tennyson. Ed. J.D. Robins. 1997. University of Toronto. 28 Oct. 2002

Walt Whitman. Ed. Ian Lancashire. 2002. University of Toronto. 28 Oct. 2002

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Marlow ENGL.12.05