Friday, January 9, 2015

O Captain! My Captain!


O Captain! My Captain!
            The message being portrayed through this poem is that tragedy can strike even in the greatest of moments. The ship made it to its destination, even though it got scratched and weathered. I think the ship may also represent life because during its journey it took some weathering, just like in life, and then after it had reached its destination the captain died. This ship reaching its destination can also represent a life reaching heaven. Since the captain died as the ship reached where it needed to go, they both have given all they have and have passed.
            There are many poetic devices displayed through this poem. Rhyme is one of the devices used. Examples of rhyme are done and won, red and dead, bells and trills, and head and dead. Each stanza contains rhymes and is four sentences long. The mood of this poem is grieving the death of his captain but also remembering his captain for being a role model to him. It is stated in the poem that his captain was like a father to him, which is why his death is so tragic. Another literary device used is repetition. Examples of repetition are O captain! My Captain! And O heart! Heart! Heart! These are used to show the happiest moment is the poem and the saddest. O captain is said when they reach their destination and O heart is said when he finds the captain dead. 

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