Extended Metaphors In Walt Whitman's O Captain ! My Captain

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Recommended: Critical analysis of o captain my captain by walt whitman

Walt Whitman’s use of extended metaphors accurately portrays the loss felt by americans after Abe Lincoln's assassination. In the poem “O Captain! My Captain!”, Whitman creates mood and tone from his extended metaphor. He captures this by referencing the people's thoughts and feelings with other objects. When Abe Lincoln’s assassination occurred, he was in a theater. People looked to see what had happened and they were shocked. Keep in mind, this occurred only a couple of days after the civil war had ended. Which Abraham Lincoln led, and it resulted in a victory. Lincoln had many great successes throughout his time also. One of which being the abolishment of slavery. Many people loved and admired Lincoln, but as always some did not. One of the people that did …show more content…

A quote from the poem “the prize we sought is won” in line 2 states that the civil war ended and we had won. He led us to victory. In lines 10-14 in the poem where they talk about what the people are doing for the “Captain” explains how grateful the people were to Lincoln. It shows how the people loved him. The ‘Captain’ in the poem is obviously referring to Abraham Lincoln as he is much like the captain of america. He runs it and leads it. The word father refers to Abraham as well, considering he is the father of our nation. This term was also used as a way to show respect. In lines 20-23 Whitman talks about how the voyage is done. This meaning Lincoln's successes will still remain however he is dead and can no longer lead us. Lastly, in line 25 of the poem, it says “But i with mournful tread.” This states that even though the president is no longer there with them, they will never forget him. This also shows that the legacy and all of Abe Lincoln’s doings will be remembered and never forgotten. The citizens of America will continue admiring him and walking in his

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