'O Captain! My Captain!' - Selection Test

Read line 3 of the poem 'O Captain! My Captain!' by Walt Whitman. 'The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,' What kind of tone does this line help to establish?

• Alarmed

• Celebratory

• Melancholy

• Satisfied

The poet uses exclamation marks throughout the poem most likely to —

• highlight his use of vivid imagery

• emphasize different emotions

• clarify his purpose for writing

• convey a strong sense of irony

Which phrase best explains why the poet most likely capitalizes the word Captain in the poem?

• To show that this is a metaphor for someone who was highly respected

• To explain that this person was an honorary captain in the military

• To indicate that the word should be emphasized when reading the poem

• To use standard capitalization since the word refers to a specific person

What does the poet’s use of language and word choice emphasize in the poem?

Which two phrases most likely reflect what the extended metaphor of the ship represents in the poem?

How does the poet emphasize his grief about Lincoln’s death in the poem?

Which line in the third stanza helps the reader understand the meaning of the word tread in line 22?

• The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done, (line 19)

• Exult O shores, and ring O bells! (line 21)

• Walk the deck my Captain lies, (line 23)

• Fallen cold and dead. (line 24)

Which line from the poem presents a problem that the speaker cannot control?

• Here Captain! dear father! (line 13)

• This arm beneath your head! (line 14)

• My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will, (line 18)

• From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won; (line 20)

The poem explores a theme about —

• the writing style of a famous poet

• the life of a brave sea captain

• the solemn duties of fatherhood

• the death of a loved president

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part A: Which word best describes the overall tone of "O Captain! My Captain!"?

• Distressed

• Enthusiastic

• Hopeful

• Sorrowful