O Captain
by Nava Thompson
Title
O Captain
Artist
Nava Thompson
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
A photo taken by Nava Thompson of a Robin in a tree in NW Arkansas............................. This day I am thinking of Robin Williams and the poem O Captain! My Captain! The ending of his life and the way it ended is so sad to me that I can't watch the news. I am also thinking of how fragile we are---all of us at certain times. We never know what others are going through or what we may have to face ............................ This Robin is for him and the part he played in the 'Dead Poet's Society'. .........."O Captain! My Captain!" is a poem written by Walt Whitman in 1865. The poem is classified as an elegy or mourning poem, and was written to honor Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Walt Whitman was born in 1819 and died in 1892, so he lived through the American Civil War. Being born close to the founding of the country, he knew people who were a part of the American Revolution. Through this he experienced the unification and division of the United States. Walt Whitman was extremely patriotic and wrote many poems about the prominence of America. He also wrote poems urging people to fight for what is right...........................................The main political and social issues during Whitman's time were slavery and the rights of African Americans. Whitman was self-described as the poet of America and, during the Civil War, the Union. Whitman wanted to see the end of slavery; this was his hope for America. However, it broke his heart to see the nation fighting. He admired Abraham Lincoln immensely, sharing his commitment to the Union and his opposition to slavery.......................The captain in the poem refers to Abraham Lincoln who is the captain of the ship, representing the United States of America. The first line establishes a happy mood as it addresses the captain. The phrase "our fearful trip is done" is talking about the end of the Civil War. The next line references the ship, America, and how it has "weathered every rack", meaning America has braved the tough storm of the Civil War, and "the prize we sought", the end of slavery, "is won". The following line expresses a mood of jubilation of the Union winning the war as it says "the people all exulting"; however, the next line swiftly shifts the mood when it talks of the grimness of the ship, and the darker side of the war. Many lost their lives in the American Civil War, and although the prize that was sought was won, the hearts still ache amidst the exultation of the people. The repetition of heart in line five calls attention to the poet's vast grief and heartache because the Captain has bled and lies still, cold, and dead (lines six through eight). This is no doubt referencing the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and Whitman's sorrow for the death of his idol.
Uploaded
August 14th, 2014
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Viewed 307 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/20/2024 at 12:58 AM
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Comments (43)
Don Columbus
Congratulations Nava, your work is Featured in "A Birding Group - Wings"! I invite you to place it in the group's "2017 Featured Image Archive" Discussion!! L/F/Tweet
Nava Thompson replied:
Don--thank you very much for the feature in A Birding Group-Wings---and for the f/l/tweet!
Sharon Mau
. . ★ . . :: love how his feathers are fluffed out Nava . the bird is adorable . . . beautiful work :: . . ♥ . . ★ . .
Debbie Portwood
What a beautiful shot Nava and such a wonderful tribute to a man so loved and who brought so much joy to the lives of others.. Such a tragedy. f/love/pin!!
Beverly Guilliams
Congrats on Your Home Page Feature in WFS....and Love the Description and Tribute to Robin Williams....that's awesome...............v./f.
Jeannie Rhode Photography
Nava Jo, Congratulations on your Featured Image in Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery ! Nice capture of this Beautiful color robin with nice details and description. L
Nava Thompson replied:
Jeannie---hello---thank you for your nice comments---and reading the description.
Hanne Lore Koehler
Gorgeous capture and magnificent tribute to Robin Williams, Nava!!! Loved tour touching and beautifully written description! Congratulations on your WSF feature! L/F
Nava Thompson replied:
Hanne---thank you--and I so appreciate your comments on the meaning of 'O Captain'--!
Nava Jo Thompson
Will---hello---thank you for the comments and reading the description. Also--appreciate the f/l/twt!
Will Borden
Hi Nava~~beautiful photography with a very poignant description! All the Best, Will.! F&L&Twt!