Activity Overview
This activity allows students to break down the various components of the extended metaphor in ”O Captain! My Captain!”. The poem cannot be fully understood unless students are aware of the historical background represented by the captain, his ship, and their fates. As students read through stanza by stanza, they will need to identify the figurative meanings behind Whitman’s word choices. Students should be able to cite a line from the poem and understand its literal meaning (as it pertains to the captain and his ship) and its figurative meaning (as it pertains to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War). With this storyboard, students can demonstrate a solid understanding of the text and its metaphorical significance, which will provide a foundation for deeper analysis of the poem.
O Captain! My Captain! Extended Metaphor
| Text | Metaphorical Meaning |
|---|---|
|
The captain is a metaphor for Abraham Lincoln, president of the United States from 1861-1865. Lincoln was like a captain because he was the leader of the country in the same way that a captain leads his crew. Significantly, Whitman always capitalizes this word, indicating that it refers to a specific captain and one who is highly respected. |
|
The ship refers to the nation, or the United States. The term "ship of state" is often used to refer to a nation's government. |
|
The rack, or storm, signifies the Civil War between the Union and Confederacy which threatened to destroy the United States and tear it in two. "Weathering" the storm means that the United States has survived despite the war, or “fearful trip”. |
|
All of these lines refer to the Union’s victory. The Confederacy surrendered on April 9, 1865. This meant that the southern states would remain in the union and the United States would continue to exist as a nation. |
| The captain's death refers to the assassination of Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth on April 15, 1865. He was shot while at the theater and died a few hours later. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write "Literal Text" in the left heading, and "Historical Connection" in the right heading.
- In each description box in the left column, write a line or a part of the poem.
- In the right column, write the metaphorical meaning in its historical context.
- Illustrate each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
This activity allows students to break down the various components of the extended metaphor in ”O Captain! My Captain!”. The poem cannot be fully understood unless students are aware of the historical background represented by the captain, his ship, and their fates. As students read through stanza by stanza, they will need to identify the figurative meanings behind Whitman’s word choices. Students should be able to cite a line from the poem and understand its literal meaning (as it pertains to the captain and his ship) and its figurative meaning (as it pertains to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War). With this storyboard, students can demonstrate a solid understanding of the text and its metaphorical significance, which will provide a foundation for deeper analysis of the poem.
O Captain! My Captain! Extended Metaphor
| Text | Metaphorical Meaning |
|---|---|
|
The captain is a metaphor for Abraham Lincoln, president of the United States from 1861-1865. Lincoln was like a captain because he was the leader of the country in the same way that a captain leads his crew. Significantly, Whitman always capitalizes this word, indicating that it refers to a specific captain and one who is highly respected. |
|
The ship refers to the nation, or the United States. The term "ship of state" is often used to refer to a nation's government. |
|
The rack, or storm, signifies the Civil War between the Union and Confederacy which threatened to destroy the United States and tear it in two. "Weathering" the storm means that the United States has survived despite the war, or “fearful trip”. |
|
All of these lines refer to the Union’s victory. The Confederacy surrendered on April 9, 1865. This meant that the southern states would remain in the union and the United States would continue to exist as a nation. |
| The captain's death refers to the assassination of Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth on April 15, 1865. He was shot while at the theater and died a few hours later. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write "Literal Text" in the left heading, and "Historical Connection" in the right heading.
- In each description box in the left column, write a line or a part of the poem.
- In the right column, write the metaphorical meaning in its historical context.
- Illustrate each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about O Captain! My Captain! Extended Metaphor Analysis
Introduce the extended metaphor before reading the poem
Set the stage by briefly explaining what an extended metaphor is and how it works in literature. This helps students actively look for connections as they read and makes it easier to spot figurative language tied to historical events.
Guide students to identify literal and metaphorical meanings together
Work as a class or in partners to read each line aloud. Pause after key lines to ask students what is literally happening, then brainstorm what the line might represent in history. This collaborative approach boosts understanding and engagement.
Use visuals to map connections between poem elements and history
Draw a simple two-column chart on the board or use sticky notes—one side for the poem's text, the other for its historical meaning. As students share ideas, add them to the chart so everyone can see the direct connections between Whitman’s words and historical events.
Encourage students to create their own extended metaphor
Invite students to write a short poem or paragraph using an extended metaphor about a current event or classroom theme. This activity reinforces their understanding and gives them a chance to practice creative thinking!
Frequently Asked Questions about O Captain! My Captain! Extended Metaphor Analysis
What is the extended metaphor in 'O Captain! My Captain!'?
The extended metaphor in 'O Captain! My Captain!' compares Abraham Lincoln to a ship's captain and the United States to a ship. The poem uses this metaphor to represent Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War and the nation's journey through crisis.
How does 'O Captain! My Captain!' relate to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War?
'O Captain! My Captain!' is an allegory for Abraham Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War. The captain symbolizes Lincoln, the ship represents the United States, and the 'fearful trip' refers to the war. The poem mourns Lincoln's assassination just as the nation emerges from conflict.
How can students analyze the literal and figurative meanings in 'O Captain! My Captain!'?
Students can analyze the poem by identifying lines with literal meanings (about the captain and ship) and then explaining their figurative meanings (about Lincoln and the nation). For example, 'the ship has weather’d every rack' literally means surviving a storm, figuratively surviving the Civil War.
What are some key lines in 'O Captain! My Captain!' and their metaphorical meanings?
Key lines include 'Captain' (Lincoln), 'ship' (United States), 'fearful trip' (Civil War), and 'Fallen cold and dead' (Lincoln's assassination). Each line pairs a literal image with a historical event for deeper understanding.
What is a quick classroom activity for teaching the extended metaphor in 'O Captain! My Captain!'?
A quick activity is to use a T-Chart: one side for literal text from the poem, the other for its historical/metaphorical meaning. This helps students visually connect Whitman's words to historical context, encouraging critical thinking and discussion.
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O Captain! My Captain!
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