1. What does Captain mean? I think that the captain is referring to Abraham Lincoln. The dictionary definition is –One who commands, guides and lead others.
2. What is a narrative poem? A poem that tells a story, or has a plot.
During Reading- Look for and record examples of
*Figurative Language- “While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel
grim and daring”

* Imagery- “his lips are pale and still”
“O’ the bleeding drops of red”

*Rhyme Scheme-“fallen cold and dead”

1. How did this poem fit the definition of a narrative poem? This fit the definition of a narrative poem because it starts out saying “our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather’s every rack, the prize we sought is won”, which means the end of the civil war. Then it goes on to say “raise up and hear the bells;
Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you”, which means that they are soluting him for the winning of the war, and all his efforts. This entire poem takes a brief trip through Lincolns life right after the war; most likely when walt Whitman best knew him.

2.What was the authors purpose for writing this poem?
I think that the authors purpose was to get across what a great person and how great Lincolns efforts were.

3. “O Captain! My Captain!”
a. The Captain = Lincoln ( I will give you that one)
b. The ship = maybe, Lincolns life, or his journey as a political figure.
c. The “fearful trip” the ship has weathered = the civil war.
d. The “shores a-crowding”= this might refer to the sorrow of Lincolns leave.
In your opinion how effective is Whitman’s comparison of Lincoln to a Captain of a ship? Lincoln was a very well known leader, and he was a guide to the people of America, Just as a captain is a Guide to his crew.

4. How do you think the speaker of the poem feels about Abraham Lincoln? I think that the speaker of the poem think greatly of Lincoln, and believes that Lincoln was an idol to all of America.

5. Think of an important event in the United States that brought out strong emotions in you. The destruction of the world trade center affected me strongly, because some of my family members were in the city at the time, and I was only a few miles away on long island. I had many friends who lost relatives in the event as well.


Application:

Narrative poem: