Dealing with Death in Whitman’s O Captain! My Captain! and Tennyson’s C

Dealing with Death in Whitmans O maestro My Captain and Tennysons hybrid the BarLife and death argon recurring topics in literature they argon not often referred to directly, but are inferred from metaphoric language. In Walt Whitmans poem entitled O Captain My Captain from his anthology of poems, Leaves of Grass, he describes the passing of Abraham Lincoln through the use of an ext decisioned metaphor. Similarly, Crossing the Bar, by Lord Alfred Tennyson, from his collection of poetry, Demeter and Other Poems, alludes to ones preparation for his or her own death. At times, the two authors utilize similar techniques, employing various figurative language devices such as extended metaphors, diction and format, which all work to highlight their differences in meaning. Through the use of imagery, the authors poems invoke various emotions but end up leading to the discussion of two different journeys, one that is elegiac in memory of a historical figure, and the other applicable t o all those who are facing death.The two poems share some common characteristics, as both make nautical references and deal with various stages of death. The two authors use capitalization to tooshie emphasis on the titles of the characters in the poem. As in Whitmans poem, he addresses the subject of the poem as O Captain My Captain, who is the one leading the ravish (2) that is nearing the port. This is an allusion to President Abraham Lincoln, who led the United States after the Civil War. Tennysons poem discusses the time when one will be put out to sea (4) to cipher the polisher face to face (15). The subject in Tennysons poem lacks a name, and therefore can be applied to any individual, but the Pilot (15) refers to t... ...n, metaphors and imagery to memorialize the fallen captain, Abraham Lincoln and to give him the proper praise for his work for the United States. Tennysons subject is preparing for the end of his time, which is demonstrated through parole c hoice and imagery. Through the use of literary devices, one can see the true similarities between the two poems, as both discuss death link topics through nautical metaphors, but also highlight the true differences in themes and meanings between Whitman and Tennysons poems. Works CitedAlfred Lord Tennyson. Ed. J.D. Robins. 1997. University of Toronto. 28 Oct. 2002 Walt Whitman. Ed. Ian Lancashire. 2002. University of Toronto. 28 Oct. 2002 47131Marlow ENGL.12.05