Original artwork, not a still
O Captain! My Captain! · 1865
O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The repeated address to the Captain accompanies news that a dangerous journey has ended successfully. Surviving the hardships and gaining the sought prize make completion feel hard-earned. These lines announce the achievement without themselves explaining what follows or what condition the Captain is in.
Context reviewed
