Analysis Pages

Vocabulary in O Captain! My Captain!

Vocabulary Examples in O Captain! My Captain!:

Text of the Poem

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"the bugle..."   (Text of the Poem)

A “bugle” is a brass instrument that is similar to a trumpet. Bugles were often used as military signals, as well as for celebratory and funereal purposes.

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"the steady keel..."   (Text of the Poem)

The noun “keel” is an archaic term for ship. Whitman’s speaker describes the ship as a “steady keel” to possibly suggest that, though it suffered many hardships, the vessel has remained strong and capable.

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"exulting..."   (Text of the Poem)

The verb “to exult” means to rejoice or feel intense joy. Whitman portrays the triumphant celebration after the ship returns home victorious.

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