This poem became really popular due to the poem describing an ordinary American citizen, and his patriotism towards the country.. Released in 1865 another one of Whitman’s big works was “O Captain! My Captain”, in which the captain refers to Abraham Lincoln, who Whitman considered a hero, and how an ideal leader should be.The death of Lincoln caused Whitman to lament, and write this poem. Whitman, in this poem, wants the American people to put trust in their leaders.Another one of Whitman’s classics was “I Hear America Singing”. Released in 1966, this poem by Whitman is about American pride.
Walt Whitman is one of the greatest poets in American history. He is an explicitly patriotic writer and believes poetry is a way of healing. His poem, “O Captain! My Captain!”, expresses his grief and the mourning of a nation in the loss of a great leader, President Abraham Lincoln. It became an elegy honoring Lincoln’s life and work, Whitman symbolically uses the image of a Captain to show the admiration, devotion, and love that he and the nation felt for Lincoln.
This quote shows that the soldiers had heavy hearts when Lincoln was buried because they looked up to him all throughout the war. In “This Dust Was Once The Man,” Whitman is talking about how Lincoln saved the United States “Was saved the Union of these States” (4). In this poem, Whitman views Lincoln as a hero. He describes how he was “gentle, plain, just and resolute” (2). With this view of Lincoln, many looked up to him as a hero that saved the United States.
Hunter Ratliff English 102 Mrs. Witt 12 February 14 "O Lincoln! My Lincoln!" In Walt Whitman’s “O captain! My captain!” the poet is trying to portray to the reader his respect and adoration for Abraham Lincoln, and the despair of his death. Whitman uses metaphors and symbolism throughout that tie to his life and his feelings as well as the poem.
The poem, "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman re-imagines the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by using emotions filled with shock and regret of losing a father figure. Walt Whitman has a patriotic attitude towards this poem as he describes Abraham Lincoln and all that he did for America by using imagery to develop a scene similar to the reality. The poet conveys his deep admiration for the achievements of Abraham Lincoln.
Whitman spent his last days as the sage of Camden, New Jersey, where he died on March 36, 1892 (Magill 406). Walt Whitman, through his admiration for a fallen President, condemnation of war, and his theme of camaraderie, illustrates a definition of patriotism. Walt Whitman was an American, and he loved President Abraham Lincoln. He had the upmost respect for the sixteenth President of the United States. His admiration was shown in his most famous work, O’ Captain, My Captain.
Many people relate this poem to Walt’s feelings towards Abraham Lincoln. He was a father figure to the country when the country was going through a hard time by attempting to abolish slavery. They were finally reaching the end of the fight and were so close to having it over and suddenly the healthy Abraham Lincoln drops dead due to being shot. It was unexpected and it shook the nation. This poem is considered an elegy, also known as a mourning poem.
Emilio Mackie Mr. Webb English 11, Period 1 3-17-2015 O Captain My Captain Walt Whitman wrote the poem O Captain My Captain to honor the death of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. When the poem was published in the New York Saturday Press, the American public loved it. It became a national sensation overnight. Walt Whitman was asked to recite the poem so often, that he once said, “I’m almost sorry I ever wrote [it]” (Library of Congress) But this poem is not to be taken lightly. It speaks of a story about a captain, who returns with his crew after a hard voyage, only to lie in his deathbed in the end.
Walt Whitman was looked upon as the forerunner of 20th Century poetry, praising democracy, and becoming a proclaimed poet of American democracy. He was known as the "Son of Long Island," and he loved his country and everything about it. (Current, Williams, Freidel- page 292-293). Whitman lived during the time of the Civil War; a fact that increased his patriotism. Whitman was considered one of the most important American Poets of the 19th Century.
One of his poems in Leaves of Grass has carried out such great influence, singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey wrote a song called “Body Electric” which was based off loosely off the poem “I Sing The Body Electric.” “Whitman is an individualist. He represents the assertive, Jacksonian period of out national existence.”(Bliss) He is all around one of the most influential writers in American history, and it is simply due to the fact that he stood by his beliefs, despite the wanted/unwanted attention it sparked. He stayed true to his American poetic roots, and wrote about his experiences. Walt Whitman is a true American poet that will remain forever influential.