Considering the events occurring at the time this poem was written, how does the author use the captain, the ship, and the journey as symbols to develop the theme of the poem? Use specific evidence from the text to support your answer.

Answer and Explanation:

This question is about the poem "O Captain! My Captain", by Walt Whitman. At the time this poem was written, the United States had just experienced a brutal Civil War. The president, Abraham Lincoln, was unfortunately shot and killed before he could see the victory of the Union, his own victory.

The author uses symbols to develop the theme of the poem, which is a sad one: the speaker is mourning Lincoln's death. Even though victory should be celebrated, it cannot be fully so because he is not there to see it. Therefore, the captain is Lincoln, the ship is the country, and the journey is the war they have just been through. Let's interpret a few lines:

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will, - Lincoln has died, and the speaker is both shocked and sad

The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won; - the country is finally safe; even though the war gruesome, victory was achieved