Important Questions Chapter 4.3 “O Captain! My Captain!” Class 10 English Maharashtra Board

Important Question For All Chapters – English Class 10

Short Questions

1. Who wrote the poem “O Captain! My Captain!”?

• Walt Whitman.

2. What is the poem “O Captain! My Captain!” about?

• It is an elegy mourning the death of Abraham Lincoln after the Civil War.

3. Who does the captain symbolize in the poem?

• The captain symbolizes Abraham Lincoln.

4. What does the “ship” in the poem represent?

• The ship represents the United States of America.

5. What is referred to as the “fearful trip” in the poem?

• The “fearful trip” refers to the Civil War.

6. Why is the poet mourning in the poem?

• The poet is mourning the death of the captain, Abraham Lincoln.

7. What are the people on the shore doing?

• They are celebrating the victory and waiting to honor the captain.

8. What does the poet request the captain to do in the second stanza?

• The poet asks the captain to rise and witness the celebration.

9. What is the tone of the poem?

• The tone is a mix of celebration and mourning.

10. What is the repeated phrase in the poem to emphasize grief?

• “Fallen cold and dead.”

Long Questions

1. What is the central theme of the poem “O Captain! My Captain!”?

• The central theme is the mourning of a great leader’s death, represented by the Captain, who symbolizes Abraham Lincoln. Despite the victorious journey of the ship, the leader’s death brings immense sorrow. The poem contrasts celebration and grief.

2. How does the speaker describe the Captain in the poem?

• The speaker describes the Captain as a leader who has successfully guided the ship through a difficult journey. However, the Captain lies lifeless on the deck, evoking deep sadness in the speaker. He views the Captain as a fatherly figure.

3. What does the ship symbolize in the poem?

• The ship symbolizes the United States during and after the Civil War. It represents the nation’s struggle, its eventual victory, and the hardships endured. The safe arrival of the ship reflects peace after the war.

4. Why is the speaker filled with grief despite the victory?

• The speaker is grieving because the Captain, who led them to victory, has died. While the people celebrate their success, the speaker mourns the loss of the leader he deeply admired. His personal sorrow overshadows the public joy.

5. How does the poet use symbolism in the poem?

• The poet uses the Captain to symbolize Abraham Lincoln and the ship to represent the nation. The “fearful trip” signifies the Civil War, and the “port” stands for peace and victory. These symbols enhance the emotional depth of the poem.

6. What is the significance of the repeated phrase “fallen cold and dead”?

• The repetition emphasizes the finality and tragedy of the Captain’s death. It reflects the speaker’s overwhelming grief and disbelief that such a great leader is no more. It highlights the contrast between victory and personal loss.

7. What are the people on the shore doing as the ship arrives?

• The people on the shore are rejoicing, ringing bells, and celebrating the ship’s victorious return. They are eagerly waiting to honor the Captain for his leadership. Their happiness contrasts with the speaker’s sorrow.

8. How does the speaker address the Captain in the poem?

• The speaker addresses the Captain with respect, love, and grief, calling him “dear father.” He pleads for the Captain to rise and share in the celebration. His direct appeals reflect his deep emotional connection and sorrow.