O Captain! My Captain!

Worksheet Description

This worksheet focuses on the poem “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman, which is printed in full on the page. It is designed for students to engage with the poem by reading it and then writing a paragraph that discusses how Whitman emphasizes that President Abraham Lincoln was a great leader. A space is provided for the student to write their name, and the worksheet is clearly themed around Abraham Lincoln, with an illustration at the top.

The educational goal of the worksheet is to develop students’ abilities in literary analysis and written expression. By reflecting on Whitman’s poem, students are expected to interpret figurative language and understand historical context, specifically the end of the American Civil War and Lincoln’s assassination. The assignment encourages students to think critically about the symbolism in the poem and articulate their thoughts on leadership qualities exemplified by Lincoln. It also serves to enhance their understanding of how literature can reflect and respond to historical events.