Question

Why do you think Whitman chose to use the symbol of a captain, a boat, and a journey at sea as symbols in this poem? What other symbols could he have used?

Answer 1

Answer:

The ship's anchor in “O Captain! My Captain!” is a symbol for the end of Civil War and Lincoln's death. While the voyage symbolizes the Civil War, it may also symbolize Lincoln's life. When the speaker says that the anchored ship is safe and sound, Whitman refers to the country being out of war and in a state of peace.